1st Brigade 34th Infantry Division
Annual Unit History
Desert Bulls
To Kuwait and Back
2011-2012
Commander’s Summary
1. Pre-MOB/MOB - The training was very successful. We arrived at mob site with 98% of our pre-mob
training requirements completed, which allowed us to move directly into collective training. Additionally, we
only lost less than 1% REFRAD, which allowed us to stay near 100% strength. Our greatest success at mob site
was convincing 1st Army to allow us to use T and E (traverse and elevation) mechanisms in the turrets of the
gun truck for machine gun crew qualification. The brigade had been working on this skill for the year prior to
mob. Use of the T and E allowed for much greater accuracy with the machine guns. Initially, the 1st Army
trainers were skeptical that we could do this effectively. We ended up with 5 perfect scores on crew
qualification, which was previously unheard of on the light cavalry gunnery tables.
2. RIPTOA- This mission was extremely complex with multiple attachments, TACON, and OPCON
relationships. The process was quite simple---learn the jobs of each of the small units we were replacing. My
expectation was that higher headquarters would find our brigade to have a positive attitude, would develop
relationships up, down, right, and left, and that we would be known as a can-do organization. The camp
command missions were the most complex of all the missions we were assigned. These are non-standard
missions and I don't feel we really knew what we were to face in these missions until we got our feet on the
ground and could learn from the outgoing unit. The Battalions that performed the camp command cell and
Force protection missions significantly improved their position and provided excellent support. I could not be
more proud of how the camp command cells and force protection units accomplished their missions.
3. CET Missions- The statistics are impressive. What is not found in the statistics is the incredible success of
the counter IED working group and the brigade Trailbook. With millions of miles traveled and 5 vehicles
destroyed by enemy fire--to believe that we would accomplish our mission ahead of schedule with zero serious
accidents and injuries speaks volumes of the hard work and discipline of this brigade. The Trailbook was
improved over the last deployment and used by multiple units operating in Iraq. The Trailbook during the last
60 days of operations in Iraq was 100% accurate in the predictions of where and when IEDs would be found.
The Trailbook was an incredible combined achievement of the Brigade and Battalion S2 shops, the CounterIED working group and the command climate that listened to what the crews were experiencing and what they
needed.
4. End of Operations in Iraq- At 0703, 18 DEC 2011, 3rd platoon, B company, 2-135 IN crossed into Kuwait as
the Rear Guard for the last ARCENT logistics convoy out of Iraq. 20 minutes behind us were approximately 30
soldiers from the Regular Army who had the honor of being the last military personnel out of Iraq. It was an
honor to be there to witness the end of the war in Iraq, but more importantly, to get out of Iraq without any
serious injuries. After crossing into Kuwait and clearing our weapons, we all pulled off to the side of the road
and had a small celebration. I will never forget the look in the eyes of the soldiers--They had a look of joy and
relief that the brigade had pulled off this historic mission virtually without a scratch. For me personally, it
ended my 21 year association with Iraq. It felt real good to tie a bow on that war.
5. Current training focus and re-deployment. After convoys were over, we were reassigned to ARCENT to
serve as a mobile response force for the entire Persian Gulf region. We quickly reorganized into an MTOE
structure and began to train again as a heavy brigade. Training was focused on the FSO missions for each
battalion. We received an incredible amount of range time and ammunition. The training resource support we
received from ARCENT was exceptional. The brigade significantly improved it's training readiness during the
last 90 days in theater and we are much further along the glide path toward becoming a competent heavy
brigade than I ever dreamed possible.
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Table of Contents
I. Leadership Team
II. Campaign History
III. First Bull Rising OPORD
IV. Desert Bulls OPORD
V. Intelligence (S2)
VI. Operations (S3)
VII. Financial Management and Fiscal Controls (S8)
VIII. Resource Management/ Logistics (S4)
IX. Information Management (S6)
X. Personnel Management and Strength (S1)
XI. Unit Ministry Team
XII. Medical
XIII. Judge Advocate General
XIV. Public Affair Office
XV. Equal Opportunity
XVI. Joint Visitor Bureau
XVII. MWR
XVIII. APPENIX A- Command Biographies
XIX. APPENDIX B- Subordinate Unit Histories
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I: Command Leadership Team
COL Eric D. Kerska
CSM Paul E. Herr
LTC Michael D. Wickman
Commander
Command Sergeant Major
Deputy Commander
LTC Daniel J. Hoben
SGM Brian J. Soper
LTC Randall J. Kastberg
Executive Officer
Operations Sergeant Major
Operations Officer
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II: 1st Brigade Combat Team History Campaign Participation Credit
Civil War- Bull Run, Peninsula, Valley, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Petersburg, Virginia in 1861,
Virginia in 1862, Virginia in 1863, Virginia in 1864, Virginia in 1865
War With Spain - Manila
Philippine Insurrection - Luzon, San Isidro
World War I - Streamer without inscription
World War II - Tunisia, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, North Apennines, Po Valley
Decorations
French Croix de Guerre with Palm, World War II, Streamer embroidered BELVEDERE
Lineage
• Organized in the Minnesota Enrolled Militia at Stillwater as the Stillwater Guards and mustered into Federal
service 29 April 1861 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota as Company B, 1st Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers.
• 1st Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers, reorganized and redesignated in April 1864 as the 1st Battalion,
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry; expanded, reorganized and redesignated 23 February 1865 as the 1st Regiment,
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry; mustered out of Federal service 14 July 1865 at Jeffersonville, Indiana.
• Reorganized in 1883 in the Minnesota National Guard as Company K, 1st Infantry Regiment.
• Redesignated 4 May 1898 as Company K, 13th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry.
• Mustered into Federal service 7 May 1898 at Camp Ramsey, Minnesota; mustered out of Federal service 3
October 1899 at San Francisco, California.
• Reorganized in 1900 in the Minnesota National Guard at Stillwater as Company K, 1st Infantry regiment.
• Redesignated between 1912 and 1916 as Company K, 3d Infantry Regiment.
• Mustered into Federal Service30 June 1916 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota; mustered out of Federal service19
December 1916 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota.
• Drafted into Federal Service5 August 1917.
• Converted and redesignated 1 October 1917 as Battery F, 125th Field Artillery, an element of the 34th
Division.
• Demobilized 22 January 1919 at Camp dodge, Iowa.
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• Expanded, reorganized, and federally recognized 27 May 1921 in Minnesota National guard at Stillwater as
Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, and the Howitzer Company, 1st Infantry.
• Redesignated 21 November 1921 as Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, and the Howitzer Company, 135th
Infantry, elements of the 34th Division (later redesignated as the 34th Infantry Division.)
• Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, reorganized and redesignated 2 May 1925 as Company A, 135th
Infantry; Howitzer Company reorganized and redesignated 31 August 1939 as Company D, 135th Infantry.
• Companies A and D, 135th Infantry, inducted into Federal Service on February 1941 at Stillwater, Minnesota.
• Inactivated 3 November 1945 at Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia.
• (135th Infantry relieved 19 June 1946 from assignment to the 34th Infantry Division and assigned to the 47th
Infantry Division.)
• Reorganized and Federally Recognized 12 November 1946 at Stillwater, Minnesota as Headquarters
Company, 1st Battalion, and the Antitank Company, 135th Infantry.
• Antitank Company redesignated 1 November 1948 as the Heavy Mortar Company, 135th Infantry.
• Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, and Heavy Mortar Company, 135th Infantry, ordered into Active
Federal service 16 January 1951 at Stillwater, Minnesota.
• (Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 135th Infantry [NGVS], and Heavy Mortar Company, 135th Infantry
[NGVS], organized and federally recognized 16 January 1953 at Stillwater, MN.
• Released 2 December 1954 from active Federal service and reverted to state control; Federal recognition
concurrently withdrawn from Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 135th Infantry[NGVS], and Heave Mortar
Company, 135th Infantry[NGVS].
• Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, and Heavy Mortar Company, 135th Infantry, consolidated 22 February
1959 and consolidated unit reorganized and redesignated as Headquarters Company, 1st Battle group, 135th
Infantry, an element of the 47th Infantry Division.
• Reorganized and redesignated 1 April 1963 as Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 135th Infantry.
• Reorganized and redesignated 1 February 1968 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade, 47th
Infantry Division.
• Redesignated 10 February 1991 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade, 34th Infantry
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Division.
III. First Bull Rising OPORD
On 29 November 2010 the base document First Bull Rising was published. The road ahead to the mobilization
station was defined. Training, logistics and personnel were now focused into 11 phases, culminating at Fort
McCoy, Wisconsin. The OPORD laid out the following information and path for the BDE.
Mission Statement: 1/34th HBCT conducts AT 11 (06-30MAY11), Home Station Actives and Post
Mobilization Training at Ft McCoy from 24MAY11 to 27JULY11, in order to complete required mobilization
training in preparation for BDE Security Force (SECFOR) Operations.
Commander’s Intent: The BDE conducts training that increases our weapons and operational proficiency of our
companies and battalions in conducting specified battle drills and collective tasks in preparation for operating in
a Counterinsurgency (COIN) environment as part of Operation New Dawn (OND). My intent is to effectively
validate tasks in TY11 (during IDTs and AT11) allowing for a reduced post-mobilization training period. We
have to begin thinking of forming our units as Dragoons (Mounted Infantry). We must embrace the concept that
we ALL must be capable of fighting both mounted and dismounted. We will incorporate both mounted and
dismounted training into our overall pre and post-mobilization training plan. Our pre-mobilization weapon
training focus will be on Individual Weapons Qualification (IWQ), Crew Served Weapons Qualification
(CSWQ) and Preliminary HMMWV Gunnery. We must focus on increasing our machine gun proficiency. The
HMMWV will serve as our primary platform for gunnery and lanes training. We will train select operators and
maintainers on the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) during pre-mobilization and conduct
familiarization for all operators and maintainers during post-mobilization training. We must incorporate training
that draws on current Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) IAW 1st Army Training Guidance. We will
also remain current on the Operating Environment (OE) and incorporate these aspects of training in all we do.
We will train efficiently and remain cognizant of our Soldiers’ time away from families and their civilian
careers. Battalions are authorized no more than a 15-Day AT Period in TY11. Any additional AT days must be
pre-approved thru the BDE S3 and by the BDE CDR.
Key Tasks:

Individual Soldier Readiness

Crew served weapons qualification

Individual weapons qualification

Army Battle Drill (ABD) validation

Situation training exercises

Live fire validation exercises

Culminating training event

Identify and qualify Soldiers in required mandatory schooling.
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
Identify equipment requirements for pre-mob, post-mob and deployment.
End state: I will deliver the BDE to MOB date at P1, with all pre-MOB tasks complete, required equipment to
support post-MOB training on hand and all units prepared to complete post-MOB training within 45 days. Upon
the completion of MOB station training, units will deploy into theater with units at 100 percent Deployment
Manning Documents (DMD), fully qualified and highly trained for their specific mission as part of SECFOR
operations. ..\FBR Products\OPORD\OPORD_101129_01_(First_Bull_Rising)_(1_34_BCT).docx
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IV. Desert Bulls OPORD
On 19 MAY 2011 DESERT BULLS OPORD was released. DESERT BULLS OPORD gives specific guidance
for mission accomplishment in Kuwait and the drawdown for Operation New Dawn.
Mission Statement: O/O 1/34th HBCT conducts convoy security, Force Protection, Camp Command and
Reaction Force (RF) operations to protect deployment/redeployment, the responsible reduction of forces, and
the operations and sustainment of US and Coalition forces in the CENTCOM Theater. O/O redeploys and
completes the MN ARNG Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program.
Commanders Intent: Non-Commissioned Officers are the key to our success. To be a leader you must both live
and enforce the army values and the warrior ethos. We must be a thinking organization the freely exchanges
ideas to solve the wicked problems we will face. Leaders will actively work to reduce the risk of vehicle
accidents, IEDs. And terrorist attacks. Through our words and actions we will respect our Kuwaiti & Iraqi
allies and their culture. Our mission is complex, critical, and of extreme importance to our country. Our
success ensures the successful end of the war in Iraq. Do the hard right and remain calm!
Key Tasks:





Force Protection
Counter IED
Anti-Terrorism
Acquire and maintain ATK AVN support
Stay customer focused
End state: Accomplishment of all missions while effectively mitigating the risks to our Soldiers and
maintaining the honor of your regiments and the 1st Brigade Combat Team.
The next two graphics display the operational timeline for the BDE and the organizational chart for Phase 3A,
later 3B will be displayed. The timeline did vary slightly as events changed, but generally on track until the unit
departed Kuwait.
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The BDE flowed into Kuwait throughout the month of July; last flight arrived by 28 JUL 2011. The RIP/TOA
process was conducted with the 197th Fires Brigade from the New Hampshire ARNG. This is the largest
deployment the Minnesota Red Bulls have seen since World War II. 2700 Minnesotans and 1400 soldiers from
Oklahoma, Mississippi and Tennessee composed the BDE. The DESERT BULLS OPORD stated that the BDE
focused on three major objectives, Convoy Security, Base Management (Camp Command Cells), and Force
Protection. Listed below you will find a break out of our highlights by objective.
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Convoy Security mission was to provide security throughout Iraq during the responsible draw down phase of
Operation New Dawn. Specific accomplishments are




Developed a sustainable counter IED program that resulted in zero fatalities during the convoy
operations in Iraq and identified 2 IEDs prior to detonation.
Escorted 359,000 personnel during Operation New Dawn Convoy Operations.
Escorted 27,000 trucks providing logistical and sustainment support throughout Iraq.
Performed over 1,200 Sustainment missions into Iraq, while supplying 55.4 million gallons of fuel to
US forces in Iraq.
Conducted Convoy Escort and Security while traveling over 2.8 million miles.
Supporting the convoy mission while in Iraq was the Viking Forward Element. See their comments in the
attached link. BDE Staff Reports\Viking Forward History.docx
Base Management mission consisted of 5 bases throughout Kuwait. BDE units were charged with providing
logistics and life support to thousands of US soldiers and our allies. Specific accomplishments are





Billeted, managed life support and transportation for 16 BCTs, 25th ID G4 and numerous separate
units totaling 81,300 soldiers.
Completed 25 Department of Public Works projects on Camp Arifjan, which improved soldier’s
quality of life.
Processed 180,000 personnel into and out of Kuwait at the Logistics Support Area (LSA) Gateway.
Identified savings of 10 million dollars in annual contracts by reducing excess resources.
Collected and distributed nearly 7.5 million dollars of military clothing as part of the Clothing
Reclamation Project.
Awarded 9 million dollars in new government contracts.
Force Protection mission ensured soldiers in Kuwait and the region were able to conduct operations safely.
Specific accomplishments are





Completed a total of 28 different Force Protection projects to improve soldier safety.
Provided personnel for security missions at patriot missile sites in the region.
Provided 4 Officers for Ground Liaison Officer (GLO) support to the Air Force and Navy in
Afghanistan.
Conducted over 335 Area Reaction Force (ARF) missions traveling over 16,721 miles in Kuwait.
Conducted over 11,925 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) missions traveling over 82,264 miles in
Kuwait.
Conducted over 11,800 roving patrols on all major Kuwait bases.
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18 DEC 2011 the last convoy and US Soldiers departed Iraq. The BDE conducted recovery and reconstitution
operations to finish out the year. The New Year brought a change in mission to the BDE. Iraq security
missions were a close memory, our focus shifted towards MTOE specific mission sets. FRAGO 120210-158
published the following guidance.
Mission: 1/34th HBCT conducts Security and Support Operations, Base/Camp Command and Control (C2), and
Force Protection (FP) in Kuwait; Convoy Escort and Security in Kuwait; rapid deployable Mobile Response
Force (MRF) and Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) operations within JSA-GEORGIA to defeat threats to
U.S. and coalition forces’ populations and critical assets.
Commanders’ Intent: This is a real mission with a very real threat. This is not a training mission. Ensure your
subordinate leaders understand this. Use every moment and every resource to prepare your units to close with
and destroy the enemy. We must rapidly build lethal capability, and continue to improve our regional theater
security relationships, while supporting the garrison and security efforts of ASG-KU. Use this time available to
develop leaders into competent, confident, tactical leaders, who understand their trade and who are focused on
their Decisive Action (DA) doctrinal roles. NCO’s are the key to our success. Give them the tools and the
authority to do their jobs. Continue to actively reduce the risks from accidents. Through our words and deeds
we will respect our regional allies and their culture. Do the hard right thing, remain calm, and get to work.
Key Tasks:







Force Protection
Anti-Terrorism
Air Assault Operations
Conduct an Area Defense
Rapidly Deploy and Redeploy
Conduct an Attack
Route Clearance
End State: Always ready to deploy in support of USARCENT, the accomplishment of all missions; while
effectively mitigating the risks to our Soldiers and JSA GEORGIA allies and maintaining the honor of your
regiments and the 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team.
The BDE’s task organization adjusted to meet the new mission requirements. The significant change that the
BDE adjusted too was the direct attachment to ARCENT (3rd ARMY). All mission guidance and FRAGOs to
the BDE were published and pushed directly from ARCENT until the end of our tour.
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The BDE conducted many training exercises, lanes and leadership validation occasions over the next several
months. The following paragraphs detail some of the significant training and leadership opportunities the BDE
participated in, conducted and evaluated.
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Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercises (EDREs)
Organizations within the 1/34th Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) conducted four training Emergency
Deployment Readiness Exercises (EDREs) between September 2011 and April 2012. 1-180 CAV conducted a
troop-level training EDRE in September 2011. 2-135 IN conducted two company-level EDREs in October
2011. 2-135 IN also coordinated and led a training EDRE in April 2012 as part of their Relief in Place (RIP)
mission. During each training EDRE the brigade alerted the designated battalion/squadron and the organization
then worked through the brigade-developed “N-Hour Sequence” of required events to coordinate and move
required personnel equipment. 24, 18 and eight hour sequences were developed and trained based on the size of
the unit, type of transportation and required equipment. Scenarios to move both personnel and equipment be
either air and/or sea were trained. After Action Reviews (AARs) were conducted after each exercise and the
process was refined and feedback provided to US Army Central Command (USARCENT) and/or the 1st Theater
Sustainment Command (TSC). Members of the Brigade Staff served as Observer/Controllers (O/Cs) and
helped liaison with Air Force, Army or civilian contractor transportation personnel.
Company/Troop Situational Training Exercise (STX) Lanes
Companies/Troops of 1-180 CAV, 2-135 IN, 1-194 AR and 1-94 CAV conducted STX lanes during the
deployment as part of their training and validation as Mobile Reaction Forces (MRFs). 1-180 CAV, 1-194 AR
and 2-135 IN focused on Critical Site Security / Defense of an Urban Area. 1-94 CAV focused on Route
Security / Clearance. All lanes were executed at various training locations on Udairi Range in Kuwait and were
supported by contractors from Military Professional Resources Incorporated (MPRI). MPRI assisted in the
development of each of the lanes, provided Observer/Controllers (O/Cs) and coordinated for Other Country
Nationals (OCNs) to serve as role players, interpreters, Civilians on the Battlefield (COBs) or Opposing Forces
(OPFOR). Each lane was conducted over two or three days and the lane evolved based on intelligence provided
to the unit once the scenario started. Lanes were driven by injects such as key leader engagements (KLEs),
improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and civilian demonstrations to test unit reactions and stress the leadership.
The Brigade Training Section provided oversight and observed lanes to provide feedback to the Brigade
Commander. From September 2011 to March 2012, 14 companies/troops within the Brigade conducted STX
lanes.
Patriot Site Security Mission
2-135 IN participated in a joint Patriot Site Security Training Exercise 29-31 October 2011 in Kuwait. The
exercise was planned by the Brigade Training Section in conjunction with US Army Central Command
(USARCENT), 1st Theater Sustainment Command (1st TSC), the 230th Sustainment Brigade and the 1-44 Air
Defense Artillery (ADA) Battalion (BN). 2-135 IN participation consisted of C CO, 2-135 IN, the BN Tactical
Command Post (TAC) and members of the Sniper Section and Mortar Platoon serving as role players, Civilians
on the Battlefield (COBs) and Opposing Forces (OPFOR). The Brigade Deputy Commander (DCO), members
of the Brigade Training Section and Current Operations served as Observer/Controllers (O/Cs) for the exercise.
The Brigade Intelligence Officer (S2) and members of the Public Affairs Office (PAO) served as role players
and provided feedback to the unit. The exercise began on 29 October 2011 with an Emergency Deployment
Readiness Exercise (EDRE). 2-135 IN received a simulated alert to deploy and executed their alert sequence.
Vehicles, equipment and select personnel were moved to the Kuwait Naval Base (KNB) and loaded aboard an
Army transport vessel. The vessel departed the port the evening of 29 October out into the Arabian Gulf and
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returned the morning of 30 October to simulate arrival in a separate / fictitious country. The majority of
personnel moved via bus on 29 October from Camp Beuhring to the Logistics Support Area (LSA) at Ali Al
Salem Airbase to simulate air transportation. Personnel then moved from the LSA via bus and remained
overnight at KNB. 2-135 IN downloaded equipment from the vessel the morning of 30 October and then fell
under the Tactical Control (TACON) of 1-44 ADA BN. 2-135 IN moved separate units to each of three Partiot
Sites throughout Kuwait and linked up the BN TAC with the 1-44 ADA BN TOC. From the afternoon of 30
October through the late morning on 31 October, 2-135 IN units at the separate Patriot Sites reacted to a series
of training injects to test unit reactions and stress leadership. Training injects included indirect fire, direct fire,
wounded civilians, local media and demonstrations/riots. The exercise ended with on-site After Action
Reviews (AARs) and units returning to their home stations. The exercise was praised as an overwhelming
success by the ARCENT and 1st TSC Staffs along with the 1st TSC Deputy Commanding General (DCG).
Company/Troop Commander Validation
1/34 Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) conducted Company/Troop Commander Validation at Camp
Virginia, Kuwait from 10-12 January 2012. The purpose of the event was to provide training to all
Company/Troop/Battery Commanders within the Brigade and then to evaluate and validate Company/Troop
Commanders on their ability to receive, prepare, issue and execute a Decisive Action Operations Order
(OPORD). Training on 10 January was attended by over 100 officers in the Brigade and consisted of classes on
Unit Training Management (UTM), young adult brain development and Troop Leading Procedures (TLPs).
The Brigade Commander shared his thoughts on training and leadership. Company/Troop Commanders were
then issued a battalion-level Decisive Action OPORD at the end of the day. The scenario used for the Decisive
Action OPORD consisted of an “attack” to secure the Baghdad International Airport and then support of the
extraction of designated US civilians. Company/Troop Commander conducted TLPs and prepared their
OPORD on 11 January while the designated evaluators prepared the evaluation area. On 12 January, each
Company/Troop Commander was evaluated individually on their ability to issue their OPORD and then execute
their mission on a terrain board. Majors and senior captains from the Brigade Staff served as evaluators.
Platoon Leaders were encouraged and allowed to sit in and observe their Company/Troop Commander’s brief
and execution of the mission. The Brigade and Battalion/Squadron Commanders observed the training and
provided informal feedback. 24 current or future Company/Troop Commanders were evaluated on 12 January
2012.
Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Joint Live-Fire Exercises (LFXs)
2-135 IN participated in two separate joint LFXs with two companies from the 1st Mechanized Battalion of the
Kuwait National Guard (KNG) on Udairi Range. The first event was conducted in December 2011 by members
of C CO, 2-135 IN and the Mortar Platoon. The second event was conducted in February 2012 by C CO 2-135
IN, one platoon from D CO, 2-135 IN and the BN Mortar Platoon.
During both
events, the units trained and rehearsed for several days with the KNG. Each event was highly publicized by the
Kuwait media and attended by high level members of the KNG, Kuwait Ministry of Defense (KMOD), and
senior members of the Kuwait government and royal family. The events featured a full integration of forces
down to the squad and team level. 2-135 IN provided M1151 High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicles
(HMMWVs), M240B Machine Guns, M249 Squad Automatic Weapons (SAWs), 60mm Mortars, 81mm
Mortars, 120 mm Mortars, AT-4s and MK-19s.
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Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB)
2-135 IN planned, resourced and coordinated a Brigade EIB training and testing program in January 2012. The
Brigade Headquarters (HQ), 2-135 IN, 1-180 CAV, 1-194 AR and 2-8 CAV (1/1 CAV DIV) provided cadre.
The cadre established training lanes from 09-15 January on Udairi Range. Training and practice was conducted
16-22 January at Camp Buehring. Testing was conducted from 23-27 January on Udairi Range. 297 personnel
started testing on 23 January. 53 personnel were awarded their EIB on 27 January (32 from 2-135 IN, 13 from
1-194 AR, 5 from 1-180 CAV, 1 from 112th MP BN and 2 from 2/8 CAV (1/1 CD). There were three lanes that
consisted of a Patrol Lane, a Traffic Control land, and an Urban Lane. Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT),
Land Navigation (day and night) and the 12-Mile Road March were conducted as separate events during the
week and Individual Weapons Qualification (IWQ) was conducted prior to the start of the training week. 1/1
CAV DIV also observed and participated (cadre from 2-8 CAV and four candidates from 2-8 CAV of which
two earned their EIB).
Special Live-Fire Training Opportunities
The end of operations in Iraq in December 2011 provided the opportunity to shift the training focus for the
Brigade from January – March 2012. As a result, organizations were afforded the opportunity to obtain and
conduct live-fire training that wasn’t originally anticipated or is often unavailable to limited resources.
Highlights included the opportunity of 1-125 FA to conduct Paladin live-fire, 2-135 IN conducting TOW
missile live-fire, and 2-135 IN conducting joint live-fire training with Marine fixed and rotary wing assets. 1125 FA conducted joint live-fire training in January and February 2012, with 1-82 FA from the 1/1 CAV, and
certified 12 of 16 sections along with 2 of 4 Fire Direction Centers firing 299 projectiles. 2-135 IN conducted
TOW missile live-fire in March 2012 at Udairi Range, firing 36 missiles and training 8 crews (both gunners and
assistant gunners). 36 different Soldiers fired a live TOW missile. 2-135 IN conducted three LFXs with Naval
fixed wing aircraft (CVW-9), Marine fixed wing from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and Marine
rotary aviation from the 13th MEU. CVW-9 training in November 2011 consisted of marking targets with
indirect fire (81mm mortars) and direct fire (.50 cal). Training with the MEU consisted of calling in the MEUs
artillery and talking directly with the MEU aircraft in January and February 2012.
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V. Intelligence (S2)
BDE Unit History Products\BDE Staff Reports\S2 History Report.docx
VI. Operation (S3)
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VII. Financial Management and Fiscal Controls (S8)
BDE Staff Reports\S8 History Report.docx
VIII. Resource Management / Logistics (S4)
BDE Staff Reports\S4 History Report.docx
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IX. Information Management (S6)
BDE Staff Reports\S6 History Report.docx
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X. Personnel Management and Strength (S1)
XI. Unit Ministry Team
BDE Staff Reports\UMT History Report.docx
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XII. Medical
BDE Staff Reports\Surgeon History Report.docx
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XIII. Military Justice-
Whether in garrison or deployed, the 1/34 HBCT Brigade Legal Section provided legal services across the core
legal disciplines including military justice, international and operational law, administrative and civil law,
contract and fiscal law, and legal assistance.
The section’s priorities were based on the 1/34 HBCT Commander’s guidance and direction, and the Brigade
Judge Advocate’s professional judgment and legal priorities across the area of operations in Kuwait and Iraq.
During the mobilization and deployment of the 1/34 HBCT from May 2011 to May 2012, the Brigade Legal
Section’s significant contributions included the following:
-
Provided commanders and staffs with legal advice and support in military justice, administrative
separations, command policies, and other issues related to the good order and discipline of the units
assigned to the 1/34 HBCT.
Managed the administration of over 120 military justice actions for the 1/34 HBCT, to include
conducting administrative boards and military justice proceedings up to and including special courtsmartial.
Provided legal advice and guidance to investigating officers on over 60 AR 15-6 investigations and
RCM 303 commander’s inquiries.
Conducted legal reviews of over 50 command actions and events including FLIPLs, LODs, and PR&C
requests.
Provided commanders and staffs with legal advice and support in conducting planning, training and
operations including rules of engagement, escalation of force, and theatre security cooperation
engagements with foreign military personnel.
A more in depth review of the cases is attached in the Red Bull Justice Newsletter.
JAG Newsletter\Volume I - Red Bull Justice.docx
JAG Newsletter\Volume II - Red Bull Justice.docx
JAG Newsletter\Volume III - Red Bull Justice.docx
JAG Newsletter\Volume IV - Red Bull Justice.docx
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XIV. Public Affairs Office-
BDE Staff Reports\PAO History Report.docx
The PAO section has consolidated and published the newsletters that are linked below. The newsletters
captured events from the battalion unit public affairs representative (UPAR) as well as the BDE PAO section.
PAO Newsletter\1-PAO Newsletter 19 May 2011.pdf
PAO Newsletter\2-PAO Newletter 03 SEP 2011.pdf
PAO Newsletter\3-PAO Newsletter 17 SEP 2011.pdf
PAO Newsletter\4-PAO Newletter 15 OCT 2011.pdf
PAO Newsletter\5-PAO Newsletter 01 NOV 2011.pdf
PAO Newsletter\6-PAO Newsletter 01 DEC 11.pdf
PAO Newsletter\7-PAO Newsletter 01 JAN 12.pdf
PAO Newsletter\8-PAO Newsletter 15 JAN 12.pdf
PAO Newsletter\9-PAO Newsletter 01 FEB 12.pdf
PAO Newsletter\10- PAO Newsletter 15 FEB 12.pdf
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XV. Equal Opportunity-
BDE Staff Reports\EOA History Report.docx
XVI. Joint Visitor Bureau-
BDE Staff Reports\JVB History Report.docx
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XVII. MWR. The Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) mission provided programs and services that
resulted in a high quality of life for the BDE’s Soldiers. The MWR program’s intent is to relieve stress, build
strength, resilience, and help Soldiers stay physically, mentally, and financially fit. Camp Arifjan provided
many facilities such as two movie theaters, swimming pool, and many other spaces to relax. Some of the
activities the BDE Soldiers participated in were concerts, 5K runs, weightlifting competitions, dodge ball
tournament, softball tournament, flag football tournament and a swim meet.
For detailed description of the monthly events held by MWR see the monthly newsletters published.
June.pdf, July.pdf, August.pdf, September.pdf, October.pdf, November.pdf, December.pdf, January.pdf,
February.pdf, March.pdf, April.pdf
XVIII. APPENDIX A- Command Leadership Team Biographies
COL Eric Kerska- BDE Leadership Biographies\COL ERIC KERSKA.docx
LTC Michael Wickman- BDE Leadership Biographies\LTC MICHAEL WICKMAN.docx
LTC Daniel Hoben- BDE Leadership Biographies\LTC DAN HOBEN.docx
LTC Randall Kastberg- BDE Leadership Biographies\LTC RANDALL KASTBERG.docx
CSM Paul Herr- BDE Leadership Biographies\CSM_PAUL_HERR.docx
SGM Brian Soper- BDE Leadership Biographies\SGM BRIAN SOPER.docx
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XIX. APPENDIX B- Subordinate Battalion Histories
1-160th FA- 160th FA\1-160 FA Historical Summary.docx
1-180th CAV - 180th CAV\1-180th CAV Command History Report_2010 thru 2012.docx
134th BSB- 134th BSB\134th BSB Annual history report 26MAR12_Read_Only.docx
134th BSTB- BDE Unit History Products\134th BSTB\BSTB Historical Narrative.docx
2-135 IN- 2-135 IN\2-135 IN OPERATIONS DATA REPORT.docx See 3-10 Appendices on BN DVD,
Appendices 1& 2 were retained at BN Level due to Secret Classification Level.
1-194 CAB- 1-194 AR\1-194 AR BN HISTORICAL SUMMARY 27Mar12.docx
1-94 CAV- 1-94 CAV\1-94 Historian_V2.docx, See all Appendices on BN DVD.
1-125 FA- 1-125 FA\1-125 FA Historical Summary (no CDR input).docx
112th MP- 112th MP\Command History Report_112th.docx
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