2006 Knox Award winner: HHB, 4th Fires Brigade.

Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB), 4th Fires Brigade, that supported the 4th Infantry Division at Camp Liberty, Iraq, is the winner of the 2006 Knox Award for Best Active Component (AC) Battery. Captain William H. Ward commands HHB with NCO leader First Sergeant Kenneth D. Carmickle.

The annual award is named for the first Chief of Field Artillery Major General Henry A. Knox, a Revolutionary war hero. It recognizes an outstanding AC battery based on specific criteria and a narrative of performance. A similar award was established in 1924, but it was phased out in 1940 as World War II loomed. The award was reestablished in 2002.

HHB, 4th Fires Brigade, out of Fort Hood, Texas, was known for many things in the Multi-National Division-Baghdad (MND-B), but its most notable attribute can be summed up with one word: "results." This battery is the standard bearer of the 4th Fires Brigade in many venues. The Soldiers and leaders of HHB excel in combat operations, physical readiness, safety, command inspections, professional contributions and many other areas.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) IV, HHB's "calling card" was its outstanding personal security detachment (PSD) and M1114 high-mobility, multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) training tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs). HHB pioneered an innovative convoy-training technique before deployment and enlisted the help of Military Professional Resources, Incorporated (MPRI) contractors to help its PSD with formation and training.

In Iraq, HHB's PSD has been lauded for its performance by many senior leaders, including the Division's Chief of Staff, and it has been called the "best PSD in the Division" on multiple occasions. The battery developed a comprehensive PSD/M11114 crew certification program that is partially responsible for its success, but the motivation and intelligence of HHB's Soldiers are the true keys to the PSD's success.

The HHB leaders always have emphasized a high level of physical readiness, and the battery's track record proves it. This battery has maintained an extremely high Army physical fitness test (APFT) average, even while deployed. It was the first unit to earn the 4th Infantry Division Commanding General's "Fit to Fight" streamer and has maintained a250APFT average for more than 24 months.

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The battery has developed the largest sports trophy collection on Victory Base Complex at Bagdad International Airport. Soldiers from HHB have the distinction of holding awards from power-lifting and strongman competitions (nine awards from the last competition, including four first place trophies and the heaviest bench press and dead-lift ever seen in that gym), boxing, volleyball, basketball, touch football and other APFT competitions.

The Soldiers of HHB maintain a positive outlook on physical fitness and take every opportunity to improve their fitness and health. Rather than make excuses to avoid physical training, these Soldiers make it a priority.

Recognition for achievements in safety readiness and accident prevention also has been a highlight of HHB's deployment. HHB received the Army accident prevention award for 12 and 24 months. The battery has gone without a Class A, B, or C accident for more than two years. It also earned the division's quarterly safety streamer. The prevention of accidents can be attributed to section-level leaders' and Soldiers' focus on safety.

During the most recent brigade command inspection program, HHB posted exceptional results. Three areas were deemed, "Best in the Brigade," including the arms room and mail room. Results like this come for one reason--intelligent leadership. The battery's leaders took the time to teach their Soldiers what "right" looks like. They reviewed applicable references and prepared books and files to facilitate more organized and streamlined commodity areas. This is especially challenging while deployed and will translate into phenomenal results in garrison.

The lessons learned in Iraq during OIF IV will not be lost once HHB redeploys. HHB can take credit for almost a dozen articles posted in professional journals, with several in Field Artillery. From "coining" new theories and models on information flow to innovative safety programs, HHB has left its mark on the Field Artillery community and overall Army readiness as one of the finest FA batteries in the US Army.