214th Field Artillery Deploys

Soldiers from Elberton’s 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery are among a growing number of Georgia Army Guard units being mobilized for second deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

In January, a company-size element of the 214th began the first leg of its journey to Iraq where it will eventually conduct convoy protection and security missions. The 214th was first activated in 2003 and spent a year on active duty supporting force protection missions at Fort Bragg and at other southeastern posts.

With a few exceptions, most of the Soldiers deploying this time are volunteers, said Brig. Gen. Larry Ross, who commands Decatur’s 78th Troop Command, the 214th’s parent unit. Ross was among the dignitaries who addressed an armory full of troops, families, friends and community leaders as the unit made ready to depart from Elberton.

“Additionally, many of these are Soldiers have deployed before,” Ross added.

Among the Guardsmen deploying this time are administrative specialists, military police, engineers, intelligence and aviation specialists. The 90 Soldiers from the 214th come from within the regiment’s batteries or detachments based in Hartwell, Thompson, Waynesboro, Toccoa, and Lavonia.

“We’ll spend about 90 days training at Fort Dix, NJ., getting ‘trained up’ for our mission,” said 1st Lt Jerold Williams, the Security Force company commander. “When validated, we’ll move ‘across the pond’ to begin our year of keeping coalition convoys safe as they move personnel and supplies throughout the country.”