32D Red Arrow Infantry Division and Brigade

Please note that the information below is primarily based on official press releases from the Wisconsin Dept. of Military Affairs. It may be incomplete because I may have missed a few news releases. My goal is to make this information as complete as possible and I would like to eventually be able to include more detailed information and photographs regarding the various units from the 32d ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade which have deployed and served honorably in support of the War on Terrorism. To that extent I will be dependent upon those units and their personnel to submit said information and photographs in order to ensure our history information is as complete and accurate as possible in order to reflect, portray, and record the continued honorable service, commitment, and sacrifice of the ‘Red Arrow’. I am also interested in recording the information of non-Brigade units that either trace their official lineage to the 32d ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Division or were attached to the 32d ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade for these deployments.

Yes, I know I am missing some important information regarding deployments since January of 2010.

24 Jan. 2010

The last Soldiers of the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade Combat Team landed at Volk Field, WI, after completing their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The first wave of Soldiers returned to Wisconsin on 5 January, but the majority of Soldiers returned on 11 flights between 11 and 18 January. The Brigade was mobilized on 1 February 2009 and the units left Wisconsin at staggered intervals throughout the month. The units deployed to Iraq at staggered intervals in April and May following about two months of training at Fort Bliss, TX. The Brigade was tasked with a variety of missions throughout Iraq which included forward operating base administration, base defense, area security, quick reaction forces, freedom of movement security support, detainee guard force operations at theater internment facilities, closing the largest internment facility in Iraq, transferring detainees, operating an academy to train Iraqi corrections officers, inspecting detention facilities, securing and administering the International Zone in Baghdad, and turning over U.S.-controlled properties back the government of Iraq.

May 2009-Jan. 2010

While the 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade Combat Team mobilized as a Brigade, they did not deploy as a traditional Brigade. The units primarily served as battalion-sized units with different missions at different locations throughout Iraq.

–          The 32^D IBCT HQ served as the 32^D JASG-C which was responsible for securing and managing properties within the International Zone in Baghdad, Iraq.

–          The 1^ST Squadron, 105^TH Cavalry Regiment HQs was responsible for securing and managing FOB Cropper, Baghdad, Iraq.

o   Troop A conducted its Operational Support Team (OST)/Personal Security Detachment (PSD) mission.

o   Troop B was responsible for base security of FOB Cropper and half of Victory Base Complex (VBC). Their mission included manning of FOB Cropper’s ECPs as well as a QRF for FOB Cropper and half of VBC (both inside and outside the secured perimeter).

o   Troop C provided force protection for CJSOTF throughout the Iraq AOR with its Troopers spread throughout Iraq in about a dozen different locations.

–          The 2^D Battalion, 127^TH Infantry Regiment provided security patrols in the vicinity of Camp Bucca and Basra, Iraq.

–          The 1^ST Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment ran a Corrections Training Center (CTC) for Iraqi Corrections Officers; a Corrections Assistance Training Team (CATT); and conducted detainee transfers.

–          The 132^D Brigade Support Battalion conducted FOB Operations, several humanitarian projects, and the deconstruction of a Theater Internment Facility (TIF).

Apr.-May 2009

The various units of the 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade Combat Team left Fort Bliss at staggered intervals from late April through early May for deployment overseas to Iraq. This was the largest combat deployment of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, and especially the ‘Red Arrow’, since World War II. Additional information will be forthcoming.

1 Feb. 2009

The entire 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade Combat Team, plus other attached Wisconsin Army National Guard units, was mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The units left Wisconsin at staggered intervals throughout February for pre-deployment training at Fort Bliss, TX.

23 Feb. 2007

Company A, 132^D Support Battalion was released from active duty after its deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

11 Jan. 2007

The 232^D Military Intelligence Co. was released from active duty after its deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

9-11 Nov. 2006

The 2^D Battalion, 128^TH Infantry returned to Volk Field, WI, after completing a year of overseas service in support of OIF. The Battalion was stationed in Kuwait, but two companies’ missions periodically took them into Iraq. The Battalion has its Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Madison; its subordinate units include Company A, Fort Atkinson; Detachment 1, Co. A, Elkhorn; Company B, Oconomowoc; Detachment 1, Co. B, Hartford; Company C, Baraboo; Detachment 1, Co. C, Reedsburg; Company D, Watertown.

4-5 Nov. 2006

The 1^ST Battalion, 120^TH Field Artillery Regiment returned to Volk Field, WI, after completing a year of overseas service in support of OIF. The Battalion was stationed in Kuwait, but one battery was stationed in Iraq. The Battalion has its Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battery in Wisconsin Rapids; its subordinate units include Detachment 1, HHS, Mosinee; Battery A, Marshfield; Battery B, Clintonville; Battery C, Stevens Point.

19 Aug. 2006

The remainder of the Soldiers from the 2^D Battalion, 127^TH Infantry Regiment, Co. C, HHC, and the rest of Co. B, returned to Volk Field, WI, after completing a year of overseas service in support of OIF. The Battalion was stationed in Kuwait, but its convoy security mission took it throughout Iraq. Three Soldiers did not return with their Battalion. SPC Michael Wendling, 20, and SGT Andrew Wallace, 25, of Company C both died Sept. 26, 2005, after a roadside bomb exploded near their HMMWV and they were attacked by small arms fire. SGT Ryan Jopek, 20, was killed on Aug. 2, 2006, while on his final convoy security mission.

17 Aug. 2006

About 300 Soldiers from the 2^D Battalion, 127^TH Infantry Regiment ‘s Co. A & part of Co. B returned to Volk Field, WI, after completing a year of overseas service in support of OIF. The Soldiers returning with Co. A originally came from Troop E, 105^TH Cavalry in Merrill and Antigo, and the 32^D Engineer Co. in Onalaska. The Soldiers originally from Co. A in Ripon and Waupun were assigned to Co. C, from Fond du Lac, for the mobilization. The Soldiers originally from Co. D in Marinette were assigned to Co. B, from Green Bay, for the mobilization. The Battalion was stationed in Kuwait, but its convoy security mission took it throughout Iraq. The remainder of the Battalion followed a few days later.

2 Aug. 2006

SGT Ryan D. Jopek, 20, of Merrill, Wis., died in Tikrit, Iraq on Aug. 2 of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy. He was assigned to the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s Company A, 2^D Battalion, 127^TH Infantry Regiment, Waupun, Wis. He was the 59th Wisconsin service member to die in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the 5th ‘Red Arrow’ Soldier.

28 Jul. 2006

Eighty Soldiers from the 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light) HQ returned to Volk Field, WI, after completing nearly a full year of overseas service. On 20 Jun. ’05 the 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin was mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Headquarters Company trained at Food Hood, TX and Fort Polk, LA and deployed overseas on 30 Jul. ‘05. The Headquarters and Headquarters Company was OPCON to the 377^TH Theater Support Command and provided command and control to the 7,000 personnel assigned to the 377^TH Theater Support Command and sustainment support to deployed units in theater. The 2^D Battalion, 127^TH Infantry, 2d Battalion 128^TH Infantry and 1^ST Battalion 120^TH Field Artillery were supported units of this command. The 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade was commanded by Brigadier General James A. Krueck who deployed with the Headquarters Company served in theater as Commander, 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade with duty as Deputy Commanding General, 377^TH Theater Support Command.

Three of the Brigade Soldiers “worked with the 29 active coalition forces, mobilizing from the home country, receiving them in Kuwait, training them on the Udari ranges, and deploying them into Iraq. They did it then in reverse. Same operations for 29 nations every six months. They also kept logistics information on all of them and reported it as high as SecDef Rumsfeld.”  [updated 21 Jun. ’14, based on information provided by CPT (ret) Peter Grafton]

24 Jan. 2006

Wisconsin’s Governor Doyle visited with Soldiers from 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light) HQ; 2^D Battalion, 127^TH Infantry Regiment; 2^D Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment; and 1^ST Battalion, 120^TH Field Artillery Regiment at several of their camps in Kuwait while he was there to tour Kuwait and Iraq with governors from several other states.

13 Nov. 2005

The remainder of the 2^D Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment (Co. B, Co. D & half of HHC) flew out of Gulfport, MS to the Operation Iraqi Freedom area of operations.

12 Nov. 2005

Company A, 132^D Support Battalion (about 40 Soldiers) was mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

11 Nov. 2005

Half of the 2^D Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment (Co. A, Co. C, & half of HHC) flew out of Gulfport, MS to the Operation Iraqi Freedom area of operations.

3 Nov. 2005

The final 75 Soldiers from the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 1^ST Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment, landed at Volk Field 3 Nov. after completing their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This group included 44 Soldiers from the Battalion’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company (Eau Claire and Abbotsford), 22 Soldiers from Company A (Menomonie), one Soldier from Company B (New Richmond and Rice Lake), and eight Soldiers from Company C (Arcadia and Neillsville). The Battalion was mobilized 20 June 2004 and deployed to Iraq in November 2004 following several months training at Camp Shelby, Miss., and Fort Irwin, Calif. The Battalion served for nearly one full year overseas in central Iraq in the Samara area. Two Soldiers did not return with their Battalion. SSG Todd D. Olson died 27 December 2004 from wounds received from an improvised explosive device in Samarra, Iraq, on 26 Dec. SPC Charles A. Kaufman died in Baghdad, Iraq, after a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV on 26 June 2005. 

1 Nov. 2005

About 30 soldiers from the 232^D Military Intelligence Company departed Madison for Fort Sill, Okla. where they will conduct mobilization processing and pre-deployment training. The unit will eventually deploy overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

31 Oct. 2005

The majority of the Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1^ST Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment, based in Eau Claire with a detachment in Abbotsford, and about 70 additional Soldiers from Company A, landed at Volk Field 31 Oct. after completing their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

30 Oct. 2005

About 120 Soldiers from Company C, 1^ST Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment, based in Arcadia and Neillsville, about 25 troops from Company A, located in Menomonie, landed at Volk Field  30 Oct. after completing their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

29 Oct. 2005

The 232^D Military Intelligence Co. (about 30 Soldiers) reported for active duty at its armory in Madison in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

27 Oct. 2005

Twenty-two Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1^ST Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment based in Eau Claire and Abbotsford landed at Volk Field 27 Oct. after completing their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

25 Oct. 2005

The 1^ST Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment is expected to return to Volk Field aboard several aircraft during the next week and a half. The first 125 Soldiers from the Battalion landed at Volk Field on 25 Oct. after completing their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These first troops are from the New Richmond and Rice Lake armories; the remainder of the Battalion returned over the next few days. The Battalion was mobilized 20 June 2004 and deployed to Iraq in November 2004 following several months training at Camp Shelby, Miss., and Fort Irwin, Calif. The Battalion served for nearly one full year overseas in central Iraq in the Samara area.

26 Sep. 05

Sergeant Andrew P. Wallace, 25, from Oshkosh, Wis., and Specialist Michael J. Wendling, 20, from Mayville, Wis., died in Shaibah, Iraq, on Sept. 26, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during convoy operations. Both Soldiers were assigned to the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s Company C, 2^D Battalion, 127^TH Infantry Regiment, 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade, Fond du Lac, Wis. They were the 46th and 47th Wisconsin service members to die in Operation Iraqi Freedom, the 3rd and 4th ‘Red Arrow’ Soldiers.

23 Sep. 2005

The 232^D Military Intelligence Co. received its orders to mobilize on 29 Oct.

29 Aug. 2005

About 1,000 Soldiers from the 2^D Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment and 1^ST Battalion, 120^TH Field Artillery Regiment safely endured Hurricane Katrina during their mobilization training at Camp Shelby, Miss. Training was suspended on the afternoon of 28 Aug. as the hurricane approached. The Soldiers were restricted to their cinderblock barracks at 1030 on 29 Aug. as the storm intensified to reduce the chance of injuries from flying debris, falling trees and downed power lines. The camp lost power and phone service about 1100; it took several days for these to be fully restored. The storm reached its peak about 1330 with winds around 90 mph. Training was shut down for several days as the Soldiers assisted in clearing the debris and getting the base operational again.

20 Aug. 2005

About 560 Soldiers of the 2^D Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment departed Volk Field for Camp Shelby, MS. The mobilization order is for 545 days, about 18 months. The Battalion will likely serve overseas for one year following mobilization processing and several months of pre-deployment training.

17 Aug. 2005

About 560 soldiers of the 2^D Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment report for active duty at their armories. The Battalion has its Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Madison; its subordinate units include Company A, Fort Atkinson; Detachment 1, Co. A, Elkhorn; Company B, Oconomowoc; Detachment 1, Co. B, Hartford; Company C, Baraboo; Detachment 1, Co. C, Reedsburg; Company D, Watertown.

16 Aug. 2005

The 2^D Battalion, 127^TH Infantry Regiment departed Camp Shelby, MS, for the Operation Iraqi Freedom theater.

13 Aug. 2005

About 450 Soldiers of the 1^ST Battalion, 120^TH Field Artillery Regiment departed Volk Field, WI, for Camp Shelby, MS. The Battalion will likely serve overseas for one year following mobilization processing and several months of pre-deployment training.

30 Jul. 2005

Seventy-two Soldiers of the 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light)’s Headquarters deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, after completing their post mobilization training at North Fort Hood, TX and Fort Polk, LA. They would serve overseas for nearly a year. [updated 21 Jun. ’14, based on information provided by CPT (ret) Peter Grafton]

26 Jun. 2005

Specialist Charles A. Kaufman, 20, of Fairchild, Wis., died June 26 in Baghdad, Iraq, where a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Kaufman was assigned to the Army National Guard’s 1^ST Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment, Arcadia, Wis. He was the 41st Wisconsin service member to die in Operation Iraqi Freedom; the 2nd ‘Red Arrow’ Soldier.

23 Jun. 2005

Seventy-two Soldiers of the 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light)’s Headquarters depart Volk Field, WI, for Fort Hood, TX. The mobilization order was for 545 days, about 18 months. It was anticipated the unit would likely serve overseas for one year following mobilization processing and several months of pre-deployment training. They deployed to North Fort Hood for 30 days of training, they then joined their new parent unit, 377^TH TSC, at Fort Polk, LA to complete 10 days of joint training. [updated 21 Jun. ’14, based on information provided by CPT (ret) Peter Grafton]

20 Jun. 2005

Seventy-two Soldiers of the 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light)’s Headquarters were mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. [updated 21 Jun. ’14, based on information provided by CPT (ret) Peter Grafton]

20 Jun. 2005

It was announced that Soldiers from the 1^ST Battalion, 126^TH Field Artillery Regiment, from the 57^TH Field Artillery Brigade, will form one battery of 1^ST Battalion, 120^TH Field Artillery Regiment, Wisconsin Rapids, and one company of the Madison-based 2^D Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment when they report for active duty. The 126^TH’s Battery A, Whitewater, and Battery C, Racine, will form Battery C in 1^ST Battalion, 120^TH Field Artillery Regiment. Headquarters Battery, Kenosha, and Service Battery, Burlington, will form Company D in 2^D Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment. Soldiers originally assigned to the units being filled by 126^TH Soldiers will be blended elsewhere within their battalions. The Whitewater and Racine Soldiers are expected to report to active duty as part of 1^ST Battalion, 120^TH Field Artillery on 10 Aug., and the Kenosha and Burlington Soldiers will begin active duty with the 2^D Battalion, 128^TH Infantry 17 Aug. The 126^TH Field Artillery has been on alert since 6 May.

It was also announced that an unknown number of Soldiers from the 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade’s Company B, 132^D Support Battalion, Mauston and Onalaska, may also be needed to fill one or more companies in 2^D Battalion, 128^TH Infantry. The 132^D Support Battalion has also been on alert since 6 May.

9 Jun. 2005

About 630 Soldiers of the 2^D Battalion, 127^TH Infantry Regiment departed Volk Field, WI, for Camp Shelby, MS. The mobilization order is for 545 days, about 18 months. The Battalion will likely serve overseas for one year following mobilization processing and several months of pre-deployment training.

6 Jun. 2005

About 630 Soldiers of the 2^D Battalion, 127^TH Infantry Regiment report for active duty at their armories. The Battalion has its Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Appleton; its subordinate units include Company A, Waupun; Detachment 1, Co. A, Ripon; Company B, Green Bay; Company C, Fond du Lac; Company D, Marinette.

3 Jun. 2005

The 2^D Battalion, 128^TH Infantry, received mobilization orders to report for active duty on 17 Aug. The Battalion has its Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Madison; its subordinate units include Company A, Fort Atkinson; Detachment 1, Co. A, Elkhorn; Company B, Oconomowoc; Detachment 1, Co. B, Hartford; Company C, Baraboo; Detachment 1, Co. C, Reedsburg; Company D, Watertown.

3 Jun. 2005

The 1^ST Battalion, 120^TH Field Artillery Regiment, received its mobilization order to report for active duty on 10 Aug. The Battalion has its Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battery in Wisconsin Rapids; its subordinate units include Detachment 1, HHS, Mosinee; Battery A, Marshfield; Battery B, Clintonville; Battery C, Stevens Point.

20 May 2005

The Wisconsin National Guard received a mobilization order for about 70 soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light). The Brigade is headquartered at Camp Williams with a detachment in Wausau.

13 May 2005

The 2^D Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment, received its alert notification. The Battalion, with its Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Madison, other units are Company A, Fort Atkinson; Detachment 1, Co. A, Elkhorn; Company B, Oconomowoc; Detachment 1, Co. B, Hartford; Company C, Baraboo; Detachment 1, Co. C, Reedsburg; Company D, Watertown.

13 May 2005

The 1^ST Battalion, 120^TH Field Artillery Regiment, received its alert notification. The Battalion, with its Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battery in Wisconsin Rapids, other units are Detachment 1, HHS, Mosinee; Battery A, Marshfield; Battery B, Clintonville; Battery C, Stevens Point.

13 May 2005

It was announced that the 32^D Engineer Company, Onalaska, and Troop E, 105^TH Cavalry, Merrill and Antigo, are combined to form Company A, 2^D Battalion, 127^TH Infantry Regiment for the Battalion’s mobilization. Soldiers assigned to the original Company A will be merged into the Battalion’s other companies.

7 May 2005

The 2^D Battalion, 127^TH Infantry Regiment, received its mobilization order to report for active duty 6 June. The Battalion has its Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Appleton; its subordinate units include Company A, Waupun; Detachment 1, Co. A, Ripon; Company B, Green Bay; Company C, Fond du Lac; Company D, Marinette.

6 May 2005

Several units received alert notifications; Headquarters, 32^D Infantry Brigade, Camp Williams and Wausau; 132^D Support Battalion, Portage, Madison, Janesville, Eau Claire, Waupaca, Mauston, Onalaska and Milwaukee; Troop E, 105^TH Cavalry, Merrill and Antigo; 32^D Engineer Company, Onalaska; 1^ST Battalion, 126^TH Field Artillery Regiment, Kenosha, Whitewater, Oak Creek, Racine and Burlington.

28 Dec. 2004

Staff Sergeant Todd D. Olson, 36, from Loyal, WI, a Soldier in Company C, 1^ST Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment, Neillsville, died 27 Dec. from wounds received in action in Samarra, Iraq, on 26 Dec. when an improvised explosive device detonated. He was the 33rd service member from Wisconsin to die in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the first ‘Red Arrow’ Soldier to die in combat since World War II.

23 Jun. 2004

The 1^ST Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment departed Volk Field, WI, for Camp Shelby, MS. The Battalion was the first Wisconsin National Guard combat arms unit to be operationally deployed since World War II. The Battalion was attached to the 278^TH ACR, Tennessee, for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

8 May 2004

The 1^ST Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment received its mobilization order to report to its armories for active duty on 20 June. The Battalion was ordered to active duty for 545 days in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

1 Mar. 2004

The 1^ST Battalion, 128^TH Infantry Regiment, received its alert notification. The Battalion, with an authorized strength of 670 Soldiers, has its Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Eau Claire; its subordinate units include Detachment 1, HHC, Abbotsford; Company A, Menomonie; Company B, New Richmond; Detachment 1, Co. B, Rice Lake; Company C, Arcadia; Detachment 1, Co. C, Neillsville; Company D, River Falls.

23 Jan. 2003

About 100 Soldiers from various 32^D ‘Red Arrow’ Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light) units reported for active duty for service as Task Force Red Arrow in support of Operation Noble Eagle (ONE). Task Force Red Arrow supplemented security at three of Wisconsin’s airbases, the 440th Air-lift Wing in Milwaukee, the 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee, and the 115th Fighter Wing in Madison, for two years.