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{{short description|Component of the U.S. Army and military of the state of Kansas}}
{{use mdy dates|date=September 2014}}
{{use mdy dates|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= Kansas Army National Guard
|unit_name= Kansas Army National Guard
|image=File:Kansas_STARC_DUI_(from_TIOH).jpg
|image=National Guard Armory (Concordia, Kansas).JPG
|caption=The Kansas Army National Guard [[Armory (military)|armory]] in [[Concordia, Kansas]] is a typical building used for National Guard training and administration.
|caption=Kansas Army National Guard Headquarters [[distinctive unit insignia|DUI]]
|dates=August 30, 1855–present
|dates=August 30, 1855–present
|country= {{Flag|United States|name=United States of America|size=23px}}
|country= {{Flag|United States|name=United States of America|size=23px}}
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|command_structure=[[Image:National Guard Logo.svg|25px]] [[Kansas National Guard]]<br />[[File:US Army National Guard Insignia.svg|25px]] [[Army National Guard]]
|command_structure=[[Image:National Guard Logo.svg|25px]] [[Kansas National Guard]]<br />[[File:US Army National Guard Insignia.svg|25px]] [[Army National Guard]]
|garrison=[[Topeka, Kansas|City of Topeka]] and [[Salina, Kansas|City of Salina]]<!-- Commanders -->
|garrison=[[Topeka, Kansas|City of Topeka]] and [[Salina, Kansas|City of Salina]]<!-- Commanders -->
|nickname="Kansas ARNG"
|nickname=
|patron=
|patron=
|motto=
|motto=
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|commander1= BG Anthony V. Mohatt
|commander1= BG Anthony V. Mohatt
|commander1_label=Commander
|commander1_label=Commander
|commander2= COL Matt Oleen
|commander2= COL Paul W. Schneider
|commander2_label=Chief of Staff
|commander2_label=Chief of Staff
|notable_commanders=
|notable_commanders=
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==History==
==History==
The forerunner of the Kansas National Guard, the Kansas Territorial Militia, was formed on August 30, 1855. On January 29, 1861, six years after the formation of the territorial militia, Kansas became the 34th state and the state militia was organized into units of the Kansas National Guard. Article 8, Section 4 of the [[Kansas Constitution]] designates the Governor of Kansas
The forerunner of the Kansas National Guard, the Kansas Territorial Militia, was formed on August 30, 1855. On January 29, 1861, six years after the formation of the territorial militia, Kansas became the 34th state and the Kansas Militia was organized. Article 8, Section 4 of the [[Kansas Constitution]] designates the Governor of Kansas
as the commander in chief for state duties. The U.S. Congress passed the [[Militia Act of 1903]], which organized the various [[U.S. state|state]] [[militia]]s into the present National Guard system.<ref name="accesskansas" />
as the commander in chief for state duties. The U.S. Congress passed the [[Militia Act of 1903]], which organized the various [[U.S. state|state]] [[militia]]s into the present National Guard system.<ref name="accesskansas" />


The Kansas Army National Guard has been involved in the nation’s conflicts since the state’s inception as a territory. The Kansas Guard actively participated in the Civil War, 1861–1865; the Indian Wars, 1864–1870; Spanish–American War, 1898–1899; and the [[Pancho Villa Expedition]] of 1916; and the First World War, 1917–1919.<ref name="accesskansas">{{Cite document|url=http://www.accesskansas.org/ksadjutantgeneral/Library/Annual%20Report%202008/Annual%20report%202008%20Final.pdf |title=Kansas Adjutant General's Department Annual Report 2008 |last= |first= |date=2008 |journal= |issue= |doi= |volume= |pmid= |access-date=18 September 2016 |via= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609030049/http://www.accesskansas.org/ksadjutantgeneral/Library/Annual%20Report%202008/Annual%20report%202008%20Final.pdf |archive-date=June 9, 2011 |pages=6{{endash}}7 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>
The Kansas Army National Guard has been involved in the nation's conflicts since the state's inception as a territory. The Kansas Guard actively participated in the Civil War, 1861–1865; the Indian Wars, 1864–1870; Spanish–American War, 1898–1899; and the [[Pancho Villa Expedition]] of 1916; and the First World War, 1917–1919.<ref name="accesskansas">{{cite web|url=http://www.accesskansas.org/ksadjutantgeneral/Library/Annual%20Report%202008/Annual%20report%202008%20Final.pdf |title=Kansas Adjutant General's Department Annual Report 2008 |date=2008 |access-date=18 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609030049/http://www.accesskansas.org/ksadjutantgeneral/Library/Annual%20Report%202008/Annual%20report%202008%20Final.pdf |archive-date=June 9, 2011 |pages=6{{endash}}7 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


The 2nd Infantry Regiment of the Kansas Volunteer Militia was organized from existing units in 1880. The regiment was mustered into federal service in June 1916 for duty guarding the Mexican Border against invasion. The regiment served for five months at Eagle Pass, Texas. In August 1917, the 2nd Infantry Regiment was drafted into federal service. The Kansas National Guard supplied troops to the [[35th Infantry Division (United States)|35th Infantry Division]] when it was organized in August 1917 as a formation with troops from Kansas and Missouri. The 2nd Infantry Regiment was consolidated with the 1st Infantry Regiment and re-designated the [[137th Infantry Regiment (United States)|137th Infantry Regiment]], Kansas National Guard and assigned to the 35th Division. The regiment saw duty in France and participated in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. The 137th Infantry Regiment were demobilized in May 1919, after 34 months of active duty service. In November 1921, the 2nd Infantry Regiment was re-designated as the [[161st Field Artillery Regiment]] and assigned to the 35th Division.
The 2nd Infantry Regiment of the Kansas Volunteer Militia was organized from existing units in 1880. The regiment was mustered into federal service in June 1916 for duty guarding the Mexican Border against invasion. The regiment served for five months at Eagle Pass, Texas. In August 1917, the 2nd Infantry Regiment was drafted into federal service. The Kansas National Guard supplied troops to the [[35th Infantry Division (United States)|35th Infantry Division]] when it was organized in August 1917 as a formation with troops from Kansas and Missouri. The 2nd Infantry Regiment was consolidated with the 1st Infantry Regiment and re-designated the [[137th Infantry Regiment (United States)|137th Infantry Regiment]], Kansas National Guard and assigned to the 35th Division. The regiment saw duty in France and participated in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. The 137th Infantry Regiment were demobilized in May 1919, after 34 months of active duty service. In November 1921, the 2nd Infantry Regiment was re-designated as the [[161st Field Artillery Regiment]] and assigned to the 35th Division.
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In 1918, Kansas Army National Guard Lieutenant [[Erwin R. Bleckley]], who volunteered for aviation duty, was posthumously awarded the [[Medal of Honor]] for his actions during an aerial sortie during [[World War I]]. He was the first National Guard aviator to earn the award and one of only three to earn it during the 20th century.<ref name="accesskansas" />
In 1918, Kansas Army National Guard Lieutenant [[Erwin R. Bleckley]], who volunteered for aviation duty, was posthumously awarded the [[Medal of Honor]] for his actions during an aerial sortie during [[World War I]]. He was the first National Guard aviator to earn the award and one of only three to earn it during the 20th century.<ref name="accesskansas" />


Units of the Kansas Army National Guard fought in [[World War II]]<ref name="accesskansas" /> and the [[Korean War]] from 1950 to 1952, when the 130th Field Artillery Group headquarters, the 195th Field Artillery Battalion, and the 174th Military Police Battalion were mobilized.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.accesskansas.org/kskoreanwar/ksvets/ksvetsunits.html|title=Kansas Guard Units in the Korean War|last=|first=|date=|website=Heartland Heroes|publisher=Kansas Adjutant General's Department|access-date=19 September 2016}}</ref>
Units of the Kansas Army National Guard fought in [[World War II]]<ref name="accesskansas" /> and the [[Korean War]] from 1950 to 1952, when the 130th Field Artillery Group headquarters, the 195th Field Artillery Battalion, and the 174th Military Police Battalion were mobilized.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.accesskansas.org/kskoreanwar/ksvets/ksvetsunits.html|title=Kansas Guard Units in the Korean War|website=Heartland Heroes|publisher=Kansas Adjutant General's Department|access-date=19 September 2016}}</ref>


In 1963, the [[69th Infantry Brigade (United States)|69th Infantry Brigade]] was activated as part of the Kansas Army National Guard. During the [[Vietnam War]], the brigade, less the 3rd Battalion of the 137th Infantry, was ordered to active duty in May 1968. The brigade served at [[Fort Carson]] attached to the [[5th Infantry Division (United States)|5th Infantry Division]]<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|url=http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/cgsc/carl/download/csipubs/Brigade-AHistory.pdf|title=The Brigade: A History|last=McGrath|first=John J.|publisher=Combat Studies Institute Press|year=2004|isbn=9781428910225|location=Fort Leavenworth|pages=235|via=}}</ref> until its demobilization in December 1969. The brigade was used to provide replacements for troops in Vietnam. 40 men of the brigade were killed in action, with hundreds being wounded.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101103084536/http://kansasguardmuseum.org/dispunit.php?id=39 69th Infantry Brigade: The 1968 Mobilization], from "THE BATTLE OF FORT CARSON, VIETNAM AND RETURN," the program for 69th Infantry Brigade (Separate). Second Reunion In Commemoration of the Brigade’s Mobilization for Federal Active Duty (May 13, 1968 December 12, 1969), Topeka, Kansas, October 28–29, 1994.</ref>
In 1963, the [[69th Infantry Brigade (United States)|69th Infantry Brigade]] was activated as part of the Kansas Army National Guard. During the [[Vietnam War]], the brigade, less the 3rd Battalion of the 137th Infantry, was ordered to active duty in May 1968. The brigade served at [[Fort Carson]] attached to the [[5th Infantry Division (United States)|5th Infantry Division]]<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|url=http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/cgsc/carl/download/csipubs/Brigade-AHistory.pdf|title=The Brigade: A History|last=McGrath|first=John J.|publisher=Combat Studies Institute Press|year=2004|isbn=9781428910225|location=Fort Leavenworth|pages=235}}</ref> until its demobilization in December 1969. The brigade was used to provide replacements for troops in Vietnam. 40 men of the brigade were killed in action, with hundreds being wounded.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101103084536/http://kansasguardmuseum.org/dispunit.php?id=39 69th Infantry Brigade: The 1968 Mobilization], from "THE BATTLE OF FORT CARSON, VIETNAM AND RETURN," the program for 69th Infantry Brigade (Separate). Second Reunion In Commemoration of the Brigade’s Mobilization for Federal Active Duty (May 13, 1968 December 12, 1969), Topeka, Kansas, October 28–29, 1994.</ref>


In the mid 1980s, two new Army National Guard divisions were formed, drawing on existing independent brigades. The headquarters of the [[35th Infantry Division (United States)|35th Infantry Division]] was reformed by the Kansas Army National Guard. The 69th Infantry Brigade joined the new division, alongside brigades from Nebraska and Kentucky.<ref name=":1" /> In the late 1980s, aviation regiments were formed within the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard. The state maintained the 69th Infantry Brigade as part of the [[35th Infantry Division (United States)|35th Infantry Division]] from the 1980s to the 1990s or later.
In the mid-1980s, two new Army National Guard divisions were formed, drawing on existing independent brigades. The headquarters of the [[35th Infantry Division (United States)|35th Infantry Division]] was reformed by the Kansas Army National Guard. The 69th Infantry Brigade joined the new division, alongside brigades from Nebraska and Kentucky.<ref name=":1" /> In the late 1980s, aviation regiments were formed within the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard. The state maintained the 69th Infantry Brigade as part of the [[35th Infantry Division (United States)|35th Infantry Division]] from the 1980s to the 1990s or later.
[[File:Personnel recovery task force rescues aircrew in exercise 110226-F-XM360-300.jpg|thumb|Kansas Guardsmen]]
[[File:Personnel recovery task force rescues aircrew in exercise 110226-F-XM360-300.jpg|thumb|Kansas Army National Guardsmen during an exercise, February 26, 2011]]
Kansas Army National Guard personnel also saw service during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, 1990–1991; Operations Northern and Southern Watch in Southwest Asia, 1992–2002; Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, 1992–1993; Operations Joint Endeavor, Deny Flight and Joint Guardian in Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1995–2003; Operations Phoenix Scorpion, Phoenix Scorpion III and Desert Fox in Southwest Asia, 1997 and 1998; Operation Allied Force in Kosovo, 1999–present; Operation Enduring Freedom and [[Operation Noble Eagle]], 2001–present; and Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003–2011, [[Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa]] 2010–2011.<ref name=accesskansas />
Kansas Army National Guard personnel also saw service during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, 1990–1991; Operations Northern and Southern Watch in Southwest Asia, 1992–2002; Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, 1992–1993; Operations Joint Endeavor, Deny Flight and Joint Guardian in Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1995–2003; Operations Phoenix Scorpion, Phoenix Scorpion III and Desert Fox in Southwest Asia, 1997 and 1998; Operation Allied Force in Kosovo, 1999–present; Operation Enduring Freedom and [[Operation Noble Eagle]], 2001–present; and Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003–2011, [[Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa]] 2010–2011.<ref name=accesskansas />


The 635th Armor Regiment was constituted in the Air National Guard on March 25, 1953 as the 891st Engineer Aviation Battalion. On August 1, 1953 it was allotted to the Kansas National Guard. It was reorganized and federally recognized January 13, 1954 with headquarters at [[Manhattan, Kansas]]. The regiment was redesignated in January 1957 as the 891st Engineer Battalion. It was converted again to the 635th Armor on February 1, 1976, consisting of the 1st Battalion. In 1984 the battalion was part of the 69th Infantry Brigade.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Armies of NATO's Central Front|last=Isby|first=David C.|last2=Kamps|first2=Charles|publisher=Jane's Information Group|year=1985|isbn=9780710603418|location=New York|pages=383|via=}}</ref> It was reorganized again on March 1, 1990 to comprise the 1st and 2nd Battalions at [[Manhattan, Kansas|Manhattan]] and [[Salina, Kansas|Salina]], respectively.<REF>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SeqLBwskpZIC|title=Armor-Cavalry Regiments: Army National Guard Lineage|last=Pope|first=Jeffrey Lynn|last2=Kondratiuk|first2=Leonid E.|publisher=National Guard Bureau Historical Services Division|year=1995|isbn=9780788182068|location=Washington, DC.|page=67|pages=|via=}}</ref>
The 635th Armor Regiment was constituted in the Air National Guard on March 25, 1953, as the 891st Engineer Aviation Battalion. On August 1, 1953, it was allotted to the Kansas National Guard. It was reorganized and federally recognized January 13, 1954 with headquarters at [[Manhattan, Kansas]]. The regiment was redesignated in January 1957 as the 891st Engineer Battalion. It was converted again to the 635th Armor on February 1, 1976, consisting of the 1st Battalion. In 1984 the battalion was part of the 69th Infantry Brigade.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Armies of NATO's Central Front|last1=Isby|first1=David C.|last2=Kamps|first2=Charles|publisher=Jane's Information Group|year=1985|isbn=9780710603418|location=New York|pages=383}}</ref> It was reorganized again on March 1, 1990, to comprise the 1st and 2nd Battalions at [[Manhattan, Kansas|Manhattan]] and [[Salina, Kansas|Salina]], respectively.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SeqLBwskpZIC|title=Armor-Cavalry Regiments: Army National Guard Lineage|last1=Pope|first1=Jeffrey Lynn|last2=Kondratiuk|first2=Leonid E.|publisher=National Guard Bureau Historical Services Division|year=1995|isbn=9780788182068|location=Washington, DC.|page=67}}</ref>


About 350 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor, departed on the first leg of a deployment to Kosovo on October 27, 2004 as part of NATO’s peacekeeping operation in the former Yugoslavia. On January 27, 2006 they returned from their 15-month deployment to Kosovo. While there, they had provided force protection and fixed and roving security, as well as escort duty.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://cjonline.com/stories/012806/kan_guardunit.shtml#.V9-bJpMrJAY|title=Guardsmen return from Europe|last=Lockard|first=Hal|date=28 January 2006|work=[[Topeka Capital-Journal]]|access-date=19 September 2016|via=}}</ref>
About 350 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor, departed on the first leg of a deployment to Kosovo on October 27, 2004, as part of NATO's peacekeeping operation in the former Yugoslavia. On January 27, 2006, they returned from their 15-month deployment to Kosovo. While there, they had provided force protection and fixed and roving security, as well as escort duty.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://cjonline.com/stories/012806/kan_guardunit.shtml#.V9-bJpMrJAY|title=Guardsmen return from Europe|last=Lockard|first=Hal|date=28 January 2006|work=[[Topeka Capital-Journal]]|access-date=19 September 2016}}</ref> In October 2020, the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry, was redesignated as the 1st Battalion, 635th Armored, retaining its combined arms status.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|last=Ziffer|first=Margaret|date=20 October 2020|title="First Kansas" legacy lives on through re-designation|publisher=105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/381339/first-kansas-legacy-lives-through-re-designation|access-date=24 December 2020|via=DVIDS}}</ref>


The Kansas Army National Guard is commanded by Brigadier General Anthony V. Mohatt. Its chief of staff is Colonel Matt Oleen, and its command sergeant major is Howard Whitley.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kansastag.gov/NGUARD.asp?PageID=3|title=Army National Guard|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=Kansas Adjutant General's Department|access-date=18 September 2016}}</ref>
The Kansas Army National Guard is commanded by Brigadier General Anthony V. Mohatt. Its chief of staff is Colonel Matt Oleen, and its command sergeant major is Howard Whitley.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kansastag.gov/NGUARD.asp?PageID=3|title=Army National Guard|publisher=Kansas Adjutant General's Department|access-date=18 September 2016}}</ref>


Historic units include:
Historic units include:
* [[File:127FARegtCOA.jpg|50px]] 127th Field Artillery Regiment (United States) Deactivated January 28, 2007<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=313|title=Inactivation Ceremony To Be Held For 1st Battalion, 127th Field Artillery|last=|first=|date=23 January 2007|website=|publisher=Kansas Adjutant General's Department Public Affairs Office|access-date=18 September 2016}}</ref>
* [[File:127FARegtCOA.jpg|50px]] 127th Field Artillery Regiment (deactivated January 28, 2007)<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=313|title=Inactivation Ceremony To Be Held For 1st Battalion, 127th Field Artillery|date=23 January 2007|publisher=Kansas Adjutant General's Department Public Affairs Office|access-date=18 September 2016}}</ref>
* [[File:130FARegtCOA.jpg|50px]] [[130th Field Artillery Regiment]]
* [[File:130FARegtCOA.jpg|50px]] [[130th Field Artillery Regiment]]
* [[File:235FARegtCOA.jpg|50px]] 235th Field Artillery Regiment
* [[File:137th Infantry COA.jpg|50px]] [[137th Infantry Regiment (United States)|137th Infantry Regiment]]
* [[File:235FARegtCOA.jpg|50px]] 1st Howitzer Battalion, 235th Artillery – Divisional artillery battalion of the 35th Infantry Division 1959–1963. Reorganized from 135th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, organized 1949, which inherited the lineage of the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion. Battalion eliminated together with 35th Infantry Division, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery at [[Hays, Kansas|Hays]] and Battery A at [[Russell, Kansas|Russell]] became 995th Ordnance Company.<ref>{{Cite news|date=7 February 1963|title=Claim National Guard Here Will Be Devastated Under New Setup|page=1|work=Hays Daily News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65969693/road-reorganization/}}</ref> Heraldry inherited by 235th RTI.<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 December 2010|title=History of the 235th Regiment|url=https://www.facebook.com/notes/235th-regiment/history-of-the-235th-regiment/173471969344845/|access-date=24 December 2020|publisher=235th Regiment}}</ref>
* [[File:130FABdeSSI.svg|50px]] [[130th Field Artillery Brigade]] (reactivated October 19, 2014) <ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=1296|title=Kansas National Guard's new brigade brings jobs to Manhattan; activation ceremony Oct. 19|last=|first=|date=15 October 2014|work=|publisher=Kansas Adjutant General's Department Public Affairs Office|access-date=18 September 2016|via=}}</ref> The 130th Field Artillery history in the Kansas Army National Guard dates back to 1917, where its lineage can be traced through both world wars as part of the 35th Infantry Division, the Korean War and, most recently, Operation Iraqi Freedom. On June 1, 1978, the 130th was redesignated as the 130th Field Artillery Brigade.　 In 1985 it was again redesignated as the 35th Division Artillery with the reactivation of the 35th Infantry Division. The 130th was reconstituted again on Sept. 2, 1997, in the Kansas Army National Guard in Topeka. Following its Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment, the brigade was inactivated on Nov. 10, 2007.
* [[File:287th Sustainment Brigade.jpg|frameless|77x77px]] [[287th Sustainment Brigade]]<ref name=":02">{{Cite news|url=http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=1421|title=287th Sustainment Brigade will conduct inactivation ceremony May 1|last=|first=|date=28 April 2016|work=|publisher=Kansas Adjutant General's Department Public Affairs Office|access-date=19 September 2016|via=}}</ref>
* [[File:130FABdeSSI.svg|50px]] [[130th Field Artillery Brigade]] (reactivated October 19, 2014) <ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=1296|title=Kansas National Guard's new brigade brings jobs to Manhattan; activation ceremony Oct. 19|date=15 October 2014|publisher=Kansas Adjutant General's Department Public Affairs Office|access-date=18 September 2016}}</ref> The brigade's history in the Kansas Army National Guard dates back to 1917, where its lineage can be traced through both World Wars as part of the 35th Infantry Division, the Korean War and, most recently, Operation Iraqi Freedom. On June 1, 1978, the 130th was redesignated as the 130th Field Artillery Brigade. In 1985 it was again redesignated as the 35th Division Artillery with the reactivation of the 35th Infantry Division. The 130th was reconstituted again on Sept. 2, 1997, in the Kansas Army National Guard in Topeka. Following its deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom, the brigade was inactivated on Nov. 10, 2007.
* [[File:287th Sustainment Brigade.jpg|frameless|77x77px]] [[287th Sustainment Brigade]]<ref name=":02">{{Cite news|url=http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=1421|title=287th Sustainment Brigade will conduct inactivation ceremony May 1|date=28 April 2016|publisher=Kansas Adjutant General's Department Public Affairs Office|access-date=19 September 2016}}</ref>
* 1st Battalion, 635th Armor, part of the [[40th Infantry Division (United States)|40th Infantry Division]] (California) as of 1998. This unit was deactivated in September 2008, and its former troops are now part of the 2nd Battalion, 137th Regiment (Combined Arms Battalion).
* 1st Battalion, 635th Armor, part of the [[40th Infantry Division (United States)|40th Infantry Division]] (California) as of 1998. This unit was deactivated in September 2008, its former troops becoming part of the 2nd Battalion (Combined Arms Battalion), 137th Infantry Regiment, consisting of two Armor companies and one infantry company; then the battalion was again redesignated back to 1-635 Armor in October 2020.


==Units==
==Units==
⚫
[[File:National Guard Armory (Concordia, Kansas).JPG|thumb|The Kansas Army National Guard [[Armory (military)|armory]] in [[Concordia, Kansas]] is a typical building used for National Guard training and administration.]] The Kansas Army National Guard is authorized more than 5,200 soldiers.<ref name="accesskansas2">{{cite web|url=http://www.kansastag.gov/AdvHTML_Upload/files/Annual%20Report%202015%20with%20map.pdf|title=Kansas Adjutant General's Department Annual Report 2015|date=2015|access-date=19 September 2016|pages=43|ref={{sfnref|Annual Report|2015}}}}</ref> Subordinate units within the Kansas Army National Guard include:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kansastag.gov/ng_default.asp|title=National Guard Home|publisher=Kansas Adjutant General's Department|access-date=18 September 2016}}</ref>

⚫
The Kansas Army National Guard is authorized more than 5,200 soldiers.<ref name="accesskansas2">{{Cite document|url=http://www.kansastag.gov/AdvHTML_Upload/files/Annual%20Report%202015%20with%20map.pdf|title=Kansas Adjutant General's Department Annual Report 2015|last=|first=|date=2015|journal=|issue=|doi=|volume=|pmid=|access-date=19 September 2016|via=|pages=43|ref={{sfnref|Annual Report|2015}}}}</ref> Subordinate units within the Kansas Army National Guard include:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kansastag.gov/ng_default.asp|title=National Guard Home|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=Kansas Adjutant General's Department|access-date=18 September 2016}}</ref>
* Joint Forces Headquarters-Kansas ([[Topeka, Kansas|Topeka]])
* Joint Forces Headquarters-Kansas ([[Topeka, Kansas|Topeka]])
* 69th Troop Command (Topeka)<ref name="K-CP">{{cite web|url=http://kansastag.gov/AdvHTML_Upload/files/ATAG%20Plan%20for%20web.pdf|title=Campaign Plan|publisher=Kansas Adjutant General's Department|date=October 30, 2019|page=6}}</ref>
* 69th Troop Command (Topeka)
** 105th Mobile [[Public affairs (military)|Public Affairs Detachment]]
** 105th Mobile [[Public affairs (military)|Public Affairs Detachment]]<ref name="K-CP"/>
** 107th Chaplain Detachment<ref name="K-CP"/>
* [[35th Infantry Division (United States)|35th Infantry Division]] (Mechanized) ([[Fort Leavenworth]])
** 1074th Field Tactical Data Terminal<ref name="K-CP"/>
⚫
* [[235th Regiment]] (RTI) ([[Salina, Kansas|Salina]])
** 1174th Senior Tactical Data Terminal<ref name="K-CP"/>
⚫
* [[635th Regional Support Group]] (Topeka){{Sfn|Annual Report|2015|p=47}}(formed 2005 from previous 35th Infantry Division Artillery)
** 1979th Contingency Contract Team<ref name="K-CP"/>
⚫
** [[1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment]]
** 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, [[137th Infantry Regiment (United States)|137th Infantry Regiment]]
* [[File:35th Infantry Division SSI.svg|25x25px]][[35th Infantry Division (United States)|35th Infantry Division]] (Mechanized) ([[Fort Leavenworth]])
⚫
* 235th Regiment (RTI) ([[Salina, Kansas|Salina]])
** 891st Engineer Battalion
⚫
* [[File:635th Regional Support Group Patch.png|31x31px]]635th Regional Support Group (Topeka){{Sfn|Annual Report|2015|p=47}}(formed 2005 from previous 35th Infantry Division Artillery)
*** [[35th MP Company]]{{Sfn|Annual Report|2015|p=50}}
** Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment<ref name="K-CP"/>
⚫
* [[130th Field Artillery Brigade]] ([[Manhattan, Kansas|Manhattan]])<ref name=":0" />{{Sfn|Annual Report|2015|p=51}}
** Detachment 1, 139th Transportation Company (PLS)<ref name="K-CP"/>
⚫
** 2nd Battalion [[130th Field Artillery Regiment]]
** 35th Military Police Company<ref name="K-CP"/>
⚫
** 1st Battalion, [[161st Field Artillery Regiment]]
* State Aviation Office<ref name="K-CP"/>
** Army Aviation Support Facility #1<ref name="K-CP"/>
** Detachment 37, OSA<ref name="K-CP"/>
⚫
** 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment<ref name="K-CP"/>
** [[File:108 AVN Rgt DUI.jpg|29x29px]][[1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment]]<ref name="K-CP"/>
*** Detachment of Headquarters and Headquarters Company<ref name="K-CP"/>
*** Company A<ref name="K-CP"/>
*** Company D<ref name="K-CP"/>
*** Company E<ref name="K-CP"/>
*** Company G, 2nd Battalion (General Support), 135th Aviation Regiment<ref name="K-CP"/>
*** Detachment 5, Company D, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment<ref name="K-CP"/>
*** Detachment 5, Company E, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment<ref name="K-CP"/>
*** Company G, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment<ref name="K-CP"/>
* 1st Battalion, 635th Armored Regiment<ref name=":2" /><ref name="K-CP" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Samples|first=Chuck|date=15 October 2020|title=Emporia's Army National Guard unit redesignating Saturday|work=KVOE|url=https://kvoe.com/news/item/50814-emporia-s-army-national-guard-unit-redesignating-saturday|access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Kansas Adjutant General's Department - 1st Battalion, 635th Armored Regiment|url=https://kansastag.gov/NGUARD.asp?PageID=582|access-date=2020-12-24|website=kansastag.gov}}</ref>
**Headquarters and Headquarters Company (Kansas City)
***Detachment 1, Headquarters and Headquarters Company (Junction City)
**Company A (Emporia)
**Company B (Lawrence)
**Company C (Wichita)
***Detachment 1, Company C (Lawrence)
**Detachment 1, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 114th Field Artillery (Junction City)
**Company G, 106th Brigade Support Battalion (Manhattan)
***Detachment 1, Company G (Kansas City)
* [[File:891st Engineer Battalion DUI.png|25x25px]]891st Engineer Battalion
⚫
* [[File:130FABdeSSI.svg|38x38px]][[130th Field Artillery Brigade]] ([[Manhattan, Kansas|Manhattan]])<ref name=":0" />{{Sfn|Annual Report|2015|p=51}}
⚫
** [[File:130 FA Rgt DUI.jpg|27x27px]]2nd Battalion [[130th Field Artillery Regiment]]
** [[File:161 Field Artillery Distinctive Unit Insignia.jpg|26x26px]]1st Battalion, [[161st Field Artillery Regiment]]
** 169th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion
** 169th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion
In 1984–85, the 69th Infantry Brigade was reported to consist of the following units:

1st Battalion, 137th Infantry,
2d Battalion, 137th Infantry,
1st Battalion, 635th Armor,
⚫
1st Battalion, 127th Field Artillery,
Troop E, 114th Cavalry,
169th Engineer Company. <Isby and Kamps, 1985, 383>

==See also==
*[[Kansas–Armenia National Guard Partnership]]
*[[Kansas State Guard]]
*[[Lawrence armory (Lawrence, Kansas)|Lawrence armory]]


==References==
==References==
Line 84: Line 125:
==External links==
==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120925125141/http://www.history.army.mil/ARNG/NG-KS.htm Bibliography of Kansas Army National Guard History] compiled by the [[United States Army Center of Military History]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120925125141/http://www.history.army.mil/ARNG/NG-KS.htm Bibliography of Kansas Army National Guard History] compiled by the [[United States Army Center of Military History]]
* [https://cdm16884.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16884coll9 Online publications of Kansas National Guard and Kansas Adjutant General] at State Library of Kansas' KGI Online Library


{{NGbystate}}
{{NGbystate}}

Latest revision as of 00:19, 7 February 2024

Kansas Army National Guard
Kansas Army National Guard Headquarters DUI
ActiveAugust 30, 1855–present
Country United States of America
Allegiance State of Kansas
TypeARNG Headquarters Command
Sizemore than 5,200 authorized
Part of Kansas National Guard
Army National Guard
Garrison/HQCity of Topeka and City of Salina
Commanders
CommanderBG Anthony V. Mohatt
Chief of StaffCOL Paul W. Schneider

The Kansas Army National Guard is a component of the Army National Guard and the Kansas National Guard. Kansas Army National Guard units are trained and equipped as part of the United States Army. The same ranks and insignia are used and National Guardsmen are eligible to receive all United States military awards. The Kansas Guard also bestows a number of state awards for local services rendered in or to the state of Kansas. It is, along with the Kansas Air National Guard, an element of the Kansas National Guard.

History

[edit]

The forerunner of the Kansas National Guard, the Kansas Territorial Militia, was formed on August 30, 1855. On January 29, 1861, six years after the formation of the territorial militia, Kansas became the 34th state and the Kansas Militia was organized. Article 8, Section 4 of the Kansas Constitution designates the Governor of Kansas as the commander in chief for state duties. The U.S. Congress passed the Militia Act of 1903, which organized the various state militias into the present National Guard system.[1]

The Kansas Army National Guard has been involved in the nation's conflicts since the state's inception as a territory. The Kansas Guard actively participated in the Civil War, 1861–1865; the Indian Wars, 1864–1870; Spanish–American War, 1898–1899; and the Pancho Villa Expedition of 1916; and the First World War, 1917–1919.[1]

The 2nd Infantry Regiment of the Kansas Volunteer Militia was organized from existing units in 1880. The regiment was mustered into federal service in June 1916 for duty guarding the Mexican Border against invasion. The regiment served for five months at Eagle Pass, Texas. In August 1917, the 2nd Infantry Regiment was drafted into federal service. The Kansas National Guard supplied troops to the 35th Infantry Division when it was organized in August 1917 as a formation with troops from Kansas and Missouri. The 2nd Infantry Regiment was consolidated with the 1st Infantry Regiment and re-designated the 137th Infantry Regiment, Kansas National Guard and assigned to the 35th Division. The regiment saw duty in France and participated in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. The 137th Infantry Regiment were demobilized in May 1919, after 34 months of active duty service. In November 1921, the 2nd Infantry Regiment was re-designated as the 161st Field Artillery Regiment and assigned to the 35th Division.

In 1918, Kansas Army National Guard Lieutenant Erwin R. Bleckley, who volunteered for aviation duty, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during an aerial sortie during World War I. He was the first National Guard aviator to earn the award and one of only three to earn it during the 20th century.[1]

Units of the Kansas Army National Guard fought in World War II[1] and the Korean War from 1950 to 1952, when the 130th Field Artillery Group headquarters, the 195th Field Artillery Battalion, and the 174th Military Police Battalion were mobilized.[2]

In 1963, the 69th Infantry Brigade was activated as part of the Kansas Army National Guard. During the Vietnam War, the brigade, less the 3rd Battalion of the 137th Infantry, was ordered to active duty in May 1968. The brigade served at Fort Carson attached to the 5th Infantry Division[3] until its demobilization in December 1969. The brigade was used to provide replacements for troops in Vietnam. 40 men of the brigade were killed in action, with hundreds being wounded.[4]

In the mid-1980s, two new Army National Guard divisions were formed, drawing on existing independent brigades. The headquarters of the 35th Infantry Division was reformed by the Kansas Army National Guard. The 69th Infantry Brigade joined the new division, alongside brigades from Nebraska and Kentucky.[3] In the late 1980s, aviation regiments were formed within the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard. The state maintained the 69th Infantry Brigade as part of the 35th Infantry Division from the 1980s to the 1990s or later.

Kansas Army National Guardsmen during an exercise, February 26, 2011

Kansas Army National Guard personnel also saw service during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, 1990–1991; Operations Northern and Southern Watch in Southwest Asia, 1992–2002; Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, 1992–1993; Operations Joint Endeavor, Deny Flight and Joint Guardian in Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1995–2003; Operations Phoenix Scorpion, Phoenix Scorpion III and Desert Fox in Southwest Asia, 1997 and 1998; Operation Allied Force in Kosovo, 1999–present; Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle, 2001–present; and Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003–2011, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa 2010–2011.[1]

The 635th Armor Regiment was constituted in the Air National Guard on March 25, 1953, as the 891st Engineer Aviation Battalion. On August 1, 1953, it was allotted to the Kansas National Guard. It was reorganized and federally recognized January 13, 1954 with headquarters at Manhattan, Kansas. The regiment was redesignated in January 1957 as the 891st Engineer Battalion. It was converted again to the 635th Armor on February 1, 1976, consisting of the 1st Battalion. In 1984 the battalion was part of the 69th Infantry Brigade.[5] It was reorganized again on March 1, 1990, to comprise the 1st and 2nd Battalions at Manhattan and Salina, respectively.[6]

About 350 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor, departed on the first leg of a deployment to Kosovo on October 27, 2004, as part of NATO's peacekeeping operation in the former Yugoslavia. On January 27, 2006, they returned from their 15-month deployment to Kosovo. While there, they had provided force protection and fixed and roving security, as well as escort duty.[7] In October 2020, the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry, was redesignated as the 1st Battalion, 635th Armored, retaining its combined arms status.[8]

The Kansas Army National Guard is commanded by Brigadier General Anthony V. Mohatt. Its chief of staff is Colonel Matt Oleen, and its command sergeant major is Howard Whitley.[9]

Historic units include:

  • 127th Field Artillery Regiment (deactivated January 28, 2007)[10]
  • 130th Field Artillery Regiment
  • 137th Infantry Regiment
  • 1st Howitzer Battalion, 235th Artillery – Divisional artillery battalion of the 35th Infantry Division 1959–1963. Reorganized from 135th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, organized 1949, which inherited the lineage of the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion. Battalion eliminated together with 35th Infantry Division, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery at Hays and Battery A at Russell became 995th Ordnance Company.[11] Heraldry inherited by 235th RTI.[12]
  • 130th Field Artillery Brigade (reactivated October 19, 2014) [13] The brigade's history in the Kansas Army National Guard dates back to 1917, where its lineage can be traced through both World Wars as part of the 35th Infantry Division, the Korean War and, most recently, Operation Iraqi Freedom. On June 1, 1978, the 130th was redesignated as the 130th Field Artillery Brigade. In 1985 it was again redesignated as the 35th Division Artillery with the reactivation of the 35th Infantry Division. The 130th was reconstituted again on Sept. 2, 1997, in the Kansas Army National Guard in Topeka. Following its deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom, the brigade was inactivated on Nov. 10, 2007.
  • 287th Sustainment Brigade[14]
  • 1st Battalion, 635th Armor, part of the 40th Infantry Division (California) as of 1998. This unit was deactivated in September 2008, its former troops becoming part of the 2nd Battalion (Combined Arms Battalion), 137th Infantry Regiment, consisting of two Armor companies and one infantry company; then the battalion was again redesignated back to 1-635 Armor in October 2020.

Units

[edit]
The Kansas Army National Guard armory in Concordia, Kansas is a typical building used for National Guard training and administration.

The Kansas Army National Guard is authorized more than 5,200 soldiers.[15] Subordinate units within the Kansas Army National Guard include:[16]

  • Joint Forces Headquarters-Kansas (Topeka)
  • 69th Troop Command (Topeka)[17]
  • 35th Infantry Division (Mechanized) (Fort Leavenworth)
  • 235th Regiment (RTI) (Salina)
  • 635th Regional Support Group (Topeka)[18](formed 2005 from previous 35th Infantry Division Artillery)
    • Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment[17]
    • Detachment 1, 139th Transportation Company (PLS)[17]
    • 35th Military Police Company[17]
  • State Aviation Office[17]
    • Army Aviation Support Facility #1[17]
    • Detachment 37, OSA[17]
    • 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment[17]
    • 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment[17]
      • Detachment of Headquarters and Headquarters Company[17]
      • Company A[17]
      • Company D[17]
      • Company E[17]
      • Company G, 2nd Battalion (General Support), 135th Aviation Regiment[17]
      • Detachment 5, Company D, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment[17]
      • Detachment 5, Company E, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment[17]
      • Company G, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment[17]
  • 1st Battalion, 635th Armored Regiment[8][17][19][20]
    • Headquarters and Headquarters Company (Kansas City)
      • Detachment 1, Headquarters and Headquarters Company (Junction City)
    • Company A (Emporia)
    • Company B (Lawrence)
    • Company C (Wichita)
      • Detachment 1, Company C (Lawrence)
    • Detachment 1, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 114th Field Artillery (Junction City)
    • Company G, 106th Brigade Support Battalion (Manhattan)
      • Detachment 1, Company G (Kansas City)
  • 891st Engineer Battalion
  • 130th Field Artillery Brigade (Manhattan)[13][21]

In 1984–85, the 69th Infantry Brigade was reported to consist of the following units:

1st Battalion, 137th Infantry, 2d Battalion, 137th Infantry, 1st Battalion, 635th Armor, 1st Battalion, 127th Field Artillery, Troop E, 114th Cavalry, 169th Engineer Company. <Isby and Kamps, 1985, 383>

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "Kansas Adjutant General's Department Annual Report 2008" (PDF). 2008. pp. 6–7. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 9, 2011. Retrieved September 18, 2016.
  2. ^ "Kansas Guard Units in the Korean War". Heartland Heroes. Kansas Adjutant General's Department. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  3. ^ a b McGrath, John J. (2004). The Brigade: A History (PDF). Fort Leavenworth: Combat Studies Institute Press. p. 235. ISBN 9781428910225.
  4. ^ 69th Infantry Brigade: The 1968 Mobilization, from "THE BATTLE OF FORT CARSON, VIETNAM AND RETURN," the program for 69th Infantry Brigade (Separate). Second Reunion In Commemoration of the Brigade’s Mobilization for Federal Active Duty (May 13, 1968 December 12, 1969), Topeka, Kansas, October 28–29, 1994.
  5. ^ Isby, David C.; Kamps, Charles (1985). Armies of NATO's Central Front. New York: Jane's Information Group. p. 383. ISBN 9780710603418.
  6. ^ Pope, Jeffrey Lynn; Kondratiuk, Leonid E. (1995). Armor-Cavalry Regiments: Army National Guard Lineage. Washington, DC.: National Guard Bureau Historical Services Division. p. 67. ISBN 9780788182068.
  7. ^ Lockard, Hal (January 28, 2006). "Guardsmen return from Europe". Topeka Capital-Journal. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  8. ^ a b Ziffer, Margaret (October 20, 2020). ""First Kansas" legacy lives on through re-designation". 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. Retrieved December 24, 2020 – via DVIDS.
  9. ^ "Army National Guard". Kansas Adjutant General's Department. Retrieved September 18, 2016.
  10. ^ "Inactivation Ceremony To Be Held For 1st Battalion, 127th Field Artillery". Kansas Adjutant General's Department Public Affairs Office. January 23, 2007. Retrieved September 18, 2016.
  11. ^ "Claim National Guard Here Will Be Devastated Under New Setup". Hays Daily News. February 7, 1963. p. 1.
  12. ^ "History of the 235th Regiment". 235th Regiment. December 3, 2010. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  13. ^ a b "Kansas National Guard's new brigade brings jobs to Manhattan; activation ceremony Oct. 19". Kansas Adjutant General's Department Public Affairs Office. October 15, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2016.
  14. ^ "287th Sustainment Brigade will conduct inactivation ceremony May 1". Kansas Adjutant General's Department Public Affairs Office. April 28, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  15. ^ "Kansas Adjutant General's Department Annual Report 2015" (PDF). 2015. p. 43. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  16. ^ "National Guard Home". Kansas Adjutant General's Department. Retrieved September 18, 2016.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w "Campaign Plan" (PDF). Kansas Adjutant General's Department. October 30, 2019. p. 6.
  18. ^ Annual Report 2015, p. 47.
  19. ^ Samples, Chuck (October 15, 2020). "Emporia's Army National Guard unit redesignating Saturday". KVOE. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  20. ^ "Kansas Adjutant General's Department - 1st Battalion, 635th Armored Regiment". kansastag.gov. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  21. ^ Annual Report 2015, p. 51.
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