3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) Artillery.

The 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) Artillery, Fort Stewart, Georgia, started the year focused on training more than 4,500 soldiers for Stabilization Force (SFOR) 8 and 9 Bosnia rotations, while simultaneously maintaining its warfighting focus. The Div Arty also participated in multi-echeloned exercises that demonstrated our readiness to deploy worldwide as the Iron Fist of the XVIII Airborne Corps. Force modernization became a focus as the Div Arty fielded the first Bradley fire support vehicles (BFISTs) in the Army. Next year will see the conclusion of the BFIST fielding and the beginning of AFATDS fielding.

The Div Arty expanded to four battalions when the Speed in Action 1-39 FA (MLRS/TA) was officially activated on 14 June. 1-39 FA is a multi-component unit with D Battery coming from the SCARNG in Sumter, South Carolina. This further enhances our already close relationship with the 151st FA Brigade Gamecock Artillery, SCARNG.

The Battlekings of 1-9FA demonstrated their flexibility by providing the collective training for more than 4,500 soldiers deploying to Bosnia as part of SFOR 8.1-9 FA will continue to provide training for the SFOR 9 mission into next year and simultaneously sustain its DS warfighting skills to support the 2d Brigade Combat Team (BCT).

The Rock Support of 1-10 FA completed a heavy-light rotation at the NTC this summer. Once again, it distinguished itself with timely, accurate and well-synchronized fire support. The battalion also continued to provide world-class fire support to the 3d BCT as well as the Infantry School at Fort Benning. 1-10 FA is preparing for BFIST fielding and another rotation at the NTC next summer.

Glory's Guns of 1-41 FA started the year supporting the 82d Airborne Division Warfighter. During the summer, 1-41 FA became the first in the Army to field BFIST. It then employed BFIST at the NTC in October, further refining BFIST TTP. After Glory's Guns returned from the NTC, it began training for the KFOR mission and deployment to Kosovo in late spring.

The 3d Div Arty stands ready to provide devastating fires for the Rock of the Marne and is fully engaged supporting real-world deployments across the spectrum of conflict. Marne Thunder!