4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) Artillery.

The Iron Gunners of the 4th Infantry Div Arty, Fort Hood, Texas, maintained another fast-paced, exciting year as we led the FA and Army into the 21st century. This year, we participated in two Warfighter exercises, Ulchi Focus Lens 2000 and three rotations to the NTC. Additionally, we became the first digitized Div Arty in Force XXI, incorporating cutting-edge technology.

Polling Thunder 3-16 FA started the year with two EDREs to prepare for the division ready brigade mission, performing magnificently. In August, 3-16 FA deployed to Idaho to battle wildfires. The battalion then shifted gears as it fielded the Paladin enhanced display system (EDS), AFATDS A99 software and Force XXI battle command brigade and below ([FBCB.sup.2]). It closed the year with a rigorous train-up for the division capstone exercise (DCX) scheduled for spring 2001.

Deep Strike 2-20 FA, the Army's first divisional MLRS battalion, demonstrated its versatility this year. In March, it provided reinforcing fires to the 2d BCT and deep SEAD fires to the 4th Aviation Brigade at the NTC. In July, the battalion integrated its third firing battery, B/2-131 FA (TXARNG), into a demanding MLRS table with live fires. In the fall, 2-20 FA continued Force XXI fieldings while participating in Ulchi Focus Lens and the division Warfighter.

Pacesetters of 3-29 FA, Fort Carson, Colorado, participated in two demanding rotations to the NTC within six months. In March and October, the entire battalion provided lethal DS fires to the 3d BCT. It then deployed to Pinon Canyon, Colorado, and performed superbly on a Paladin Table XVIII EXEVAL. 3-29 FA also deployed to Fort Hood for the division Warfighter.

The Straight Arrows of 4-42 FA, the Army's first FA battalion to field the FBCB2, demonstrated their exceptional capabilities with the system. The Div Arty administered a tough, challenging Paladin Table XVIII EXEVAL in May in which the battalion provided accurate, timely fires. In August, the battalion deployed to the NTC and provided devastating fires in support of the 1st BOT. The battalion also upgraded its Paladin fleet with the EDS and fielded AFATDS A99 technical fire direction software.

The 4th DivArty remains combat ready. We're proud to be leading Army fires into the 21st century while providing deadly fires in support of the Ironhorse Division. Iron Gunners!