4th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade
Current shoulder sleeve insignia
Founded	1966
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Role	Command & control of support & sustainment units
Size	Brigade
Part of	4th Infantry Division
Garrison/HQ	Fort Carson
Nickname(s)	Rough Riders
Motto(s)	Provide With Pride
Colors	Red & Buff
Mascot(s)	"Liberty" the White Buffalo
Anniversaries	25 March 1966, Unit Activation Day 7 July 2015, Unit Inactivation
Decorations	Meritorious Unit Commendation "Southwest Asia" Joint Meritorious Unit Award (Operation Sea Signal) Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation (Operation Sea Signal) Joint Meritorious Unit Award (OIF/OEF)
Battle honours	Operation Desert Shield Operation Desert Storm Operation Restore Hope Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation Enduring Freedom
Commanders
Brigade Commander	Colonel James Geoffrey Kent
Notable commanders	Colonel John Howard Colonel Edward M. Daly Colonel Anthony K Whitson
Insignia
Former shoulder sleeve insignia
4th Sustainment Brigade's Distinctive Unit Insignia

The 43rd Sustainment Brigade was re-designated the 4th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division effective 9 July 2015.^[1] a U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) combat service support unit stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. The Brigade motto is "Provide with Pride". The Brigade call sign is "Rough Riders". The 43rd Sustainment Brigade has deployed overseas to Somalia, Cuba, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. On 9 July 2015 the 43rd Sustainment Brigade was inactivated. Subordinate units were reassigned to the 4th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade.

Organization

The 43rd Sustainment Brigade was assigned directly to FORSCOM but reported to the 4th Infantry Division while in garrison. Subordinate elements of the 43rd Sustainment Brigade were:

• 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion
  • Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment (HHD)
  • 32nd Transportation Company (Palletized Load Systems)
    • 1st Platoon, 2nd Transportation Company (Heavy Equipment Transportation)
  • 59th Quartermaster Company (Petroleum Supply)
    • 40th Quartermaster Detachment (Petroleum Laboratory)
  • 60th Ordnance Company (Ammunition)
  • 183rd Maintenance Company (Equipment Repair and Calibrations)
  • 247th Quartermaster Company (Warehousing, Supply Support Activity, Maintenance)
• Special Troops Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade
  • Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 43rd Sustainment Brigade
  • 22nd Human Resources Company
  • 152nd Movement Control Team
  • 230th Finance Support Unit
  • 534th Signal Company
  • 573rd Movement Control Team
• 759th Military Police Battalion (Administrative Control)
  • HHD, 759th Military Police Battalion
  • 148th Military Police Detachment
  • 59th Military Police Company
  • 110th Military Police Company
  • 127th Military Police Company
  • 984th Military Police Company
• Previous subordinate units
  • 19th Military Police Battalion
  • 52nd Engineer Battalion
  • 70th Ordnance Battalion (1966-1971)
  • 195th Maintenance Battalion
  • 242nd Maintenance Battalion (1966-1967)
  • 336th Ordnance Battalion (1968)
  • 4th Military Intelligence Company
  • 4th Military Police Company
  • 50th Ordnance Company (1963-1992) (Nuclear Munitions) The 50th Ordnance Company was the III Corps' Special Weapons maintenance and storage company.
  • Company B (Ranger), 75th Infantry Regiment
  • 283rd Aviation Company
  • 352nd Transportation Company (Light Truck)
  • 360th Transportation Company (Petroleum Transportation)
  • 549th Quartermaster Company (Field Services)

Service history

The unit was constituted into the Regular Army on 18 January 1966 as the 43rd General Support Group.^[2] The unit was activated on 26 March 1966 at Fort Carson, Colorado and organized on 16 May 1966. The first battalion to join the Group was the 68th Transportation Battalion which was activated in August 1966. Three more battalions joined the Group in 1967: 195th Maintenance Battalion on 23 February; 242nd Maintenance Battalion on 25 February; and 70th Ordnance Battalion on 1 March.^[3]

On 26 July 1967, acting on a seven-hour notification, HHC, 43rd and 352nd Transportation Company (Light Truck) deployed to Selfridges Air Force Base, Michigan, to provide logistical support for the elements of the XVIII Airborne Corps during riot control operations. In August and September 1967, units of the Group deployed to Alaska during severe flooding to establish a field laundry site. In 1968, the organization of the Group changed: the 336th Ordnance Battalion joined the Group on 20 May and the 242nd Maintenance Battalion, one of the Group's original members, inactivated on 25 August. In addition to Group organization changes, the 336th Ordnance Battalion deployed to Southeast Asia on 26 September 1968.

In 1970 three military police units (19th MP CO, 148th MP PLT and 984th MP CO) and the 283rd Aviation Company joined the Group in May; the 40th Supply and Service Company joined the Group in November; and the 195th Maintenance Battalion (another of the Group's original members) inactivated on 4 December. In 1971 the 283rd Aviation Company was transferred to Fort Bragg in June; the 4th Military Police Company joined the Group; and a third original member, the 70th Ordnance Battalion, was inactivated in November. In 1972 the 19th Military Police Battalion was formed as a headquarters for the Military Police companies; the 52nd Engineer Battalion joined the Group in July; and the 4th Military Intelligence Company and B Company, 75th Infantry(Ranger) joined the Group in August. The Group was redesignated as the 43rd Corps Support Group in 1973.

Operation Continue Hope

43rd Corps Support Group, Mogadishu, Somalia July 1993

In December 1992, a UN-sanctioned, U.S.-led deployment of more than 30,000 troops began, to ensure delivery of food aid. These troops were gradually reduced and in large part replaced early in 1993 by a UN peacekeeping operation in which the 43rd CSG played a smaller role. United Nations mediators attempted to bring together the various Somali faction leaders to restore peace to the country. On 26 March 1993, the United Nations passed Resolution 814 which considerably broadened its mandate to intervene in another country's affairs. The UN was now intervening militarily in a peacemaking role under Chapter VII of its charter. The (CSG) from Fort Carson, Colorado, was alerted for Somalia^[5] in December 1992. The Brigade Staff included: CSM Forrest R. Guess, BDE XO Stephen Strobel, BDE S-1 Major Dan Bandy, BDE S-2 CPT Sherri Rhodus, BDE S-3 MAJ Greg Alderete, BDE SPO Bill Holstun, BDE S-4 MAJ Dona M. Thomas, the Command Chaplain was CPT Duncan Baugh^[6] and the Brigade Legal Advisor was CPT Jody M. Hehr. The Headquarters Company was commanded by CPT Tim Garipee and 1SG John L. Elsasser.

Operation Restore Hope ended on 4 May 1993, when the United Nations assumed control of the humanitarian mission from American command. The 43rd CSG deployed to Somalia, under the Command of COL Wade H. McManus Jr., as a part of "Operation Continue Hope" from May 1993 to August 1993 to provide nation building and humanitarian intervention while protecting United Nations efforts. This rapidly escalated into urban warfare after the 5 June 1993 attack on a Pakistani Infantry Company and other citywide assaults. The 43rd CSG Headquarters and Headquarters Company were located at the former University of Mogadishu.^[7]

All soldiers of the 43rd CSG were command directed to take a weekly dose of 250 MG of Mefloquine Hydrochloride (also known as Lariam or Mefloquine)^[8] an orally administered controversial medication used as a malarial chemoprophylaxis. This drug was recently added to the Department of Veterans Affairs War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) as a "Potential Deployment Exposure." This places Mefloquine in the same category as Agent Orange, Depleted Uranium, Burn Pits and others.^[9]

Operation Restore Hope was declared a success in May 1993 and President Clinton celebrated on the White House lawn with Marine Corps Lieutenant General Robert B. Johnston and other Somalia veterans. On 10 May 1993 the 43rd CSG's main body departed Colorado Springs, Colorado on a chartered Boeing 747 from Peterson Air Force Base with layovers in Ireland and Egypt. Operation Continue Hope began that same month with the continued theater service of 4000 servicemen and women. On 5 June 1993, Somali National Alliance forces ambushed and killed 24 Pakistani soldiers assigned to UNOSOM II.^[10] Another 44 were wounded. In retaliation, the United Nations Security Council authorized the U.S. and multinational forces to launch ground and air attacks on Aidid's headquarters and strongholds in Mogadishu. The UN's special envoy in Somalia called for Aidid's arrest, but UN forces were unable to accomplish this. On 8 August Somali Guerillas detonated a mine under a passing U.S. Military Police (MP) vehicle on Jialle-Siaad Street in the Medina district of Mogadishu killing four U.S. MPs task organized to the 43rd CGS (Sgt. Christopher Hilgert,^[11] 27, of Bloomington, Ind., Specialist Mark Gutting, 25, of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Specialist Keith Pearson, 25, of Tavares, Fla., all of the 977th Military Police Company from Fort Riley, Kan., and Sgt. Ronald Richerson,^[12] 24, of Portage, Ind., of the 300th Military Police Company, commanded by Captain Dave Farlow, from Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.) This single, highly effect, attack infamously ushered in a new tactical era of the Improvised Explosive Device (IED).^[13] After the death of 18 U.S. soldiers in a firefight with forces loyal to Aidid in October 1993, the United States increased the size of its force in Somalia but withdraw by 31 March 1994. The last remaining U.S. personnel weren't withdrawn until a year later.

The 43rd CSG was awarded the 3rd Army (ARCENT) Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (30 Consecutive or 60 Non-consecutive Days) and the United Nations Somalia Service Medal^[14] (90 days Service) or the United Nations Medal (mutually exclusive) and four months of combat service to be applied towards a combat service stripe. COL McManus retired from the Army in 2004 as the Commander of US Army Field Support Command, at the rank of major general.^[15] For additional information on the 43rd CSG deployment download "The Basement of Hell"^[16] by Greg Alderete. The 43rd Corps Support Group was redesignated as the 43rd Area Support Group^[17] on 16 April 1994.

^[18]

Operation Enduring Freedom

43rd Area Support Group headquarters at Bagram, Afghanistan in 2007.

The 43rd Area Support Group deployed from January 2007 through January 2008 under Colonel John Howard to coordinate logistics for all US forces operating in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom VIII. The 147th Personnel Service Battalion (MN ARNG), 450th Movement Control Battalion (USAR), and the 726th Finance Battalion (MA ARNG) were attached to the 43rd for this deployment. The unit was operating primarily in support of the 82nd Airborne Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade after the redeployment of the 10th Mountain Division. During this deployment, a robust Rear-Detachment provided Command & Control for the units that did not deploy- primarily the 4th Engineer Battalion and the 10th Combat Support Hospital as well as elements of the 68th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion.

Extra-curricular activities

The 43rd maintains an active motorcycle safety program and mentoring program. As part of their esprit d'corps building process, Soldier participated in a "Spring Kick Start" ride through Colorado Springs on 3 April 2009.

The brigade conducts a motorcycle ride through Colorado Springs.

Campaign participation credit

Conflict	Streamer	Year(s)
Persian Gulf War[19]	Defense of Saudi Arabia	1991
	Liberation and Defense of Kuwait	1991
	Cease Fire	1991
Iraq War	Liberation of Iraq	2003
	Transition of Iraq	2003
	Iraqi Governance	2004
	National Resolution	2005
War in Afghanistan	Consolidation II	2007–2008
	Consolidation III	2010–2011

Decorations

Streamer	Award	Year	Notes
	Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army)	2012	For Logistics Support to RC-South, West, and Southwest during Operation Enduring Freedom
	Joint Meritorious Unit Award	1996	For Joint Logistics Support Element, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
	Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army)	1991	For Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm

^[20]

Meritorious Unit Citation awarded under Permanent Orders 194-13 dated 12 July 2012

Shoulder sleeve insignia

• Description: On a buff-colored vertical rectangular embroidered item, arched outwardly at top and bottom, a red diagonal stripe from upper left to lower right, between a white compass rose upper right and stylized buff mountain range of five peaks with white snowcapped with dark gray details; all within a 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) yellow border. Overall dimensions are 2+1⁄16 inches (5.2 cm) in width and 3+1⁄16 inches (7.8 cm) in height.^[21]
• Symbolism: Buff and scarlet are the colors traditionally associated with the Support units. The diagonal stripe suggests protection. The compass rose signifies guidance and the unit's capability to deploy worldwide. The stylized mountain range denotes Fort Carson, Colorado, home of the unit since 1966. The five peaks allude to the five campaigns fought by the 43rd Corps and Area Support Groups, predecessors to the 43rd Sustainment Brigade.
• Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved effective 16 April 2008. The insignia was designed by unit personnel while deployed to Afghanistan in 2007.

Distinctive unit insignia

• Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1+1⁄4 inches (3.2 cm) in height overall consisting of a white Doric column in center and behind its lower half a gold sun with two rays shown on either side above two sprigs of laurel issuant at either side of the column base; enclosing the sun and laurel passing in front of the upper section of the column a semi-circular gold scroll inscribed with the words "PROVIDE WITH PRIDE" in red letters.
• Symbolism: The central column is indicative of strength and support. The gold sun is for the high quality of service the unit provides and the laurel represents pride in achievement.
• Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 43rd Support Group on 25 April 1973. It was redesignated effective 16 April 2008, for the 43rd Sustainment Brigade and amended to update the description and symbolism.

^[21]

Liberty

Liberty at Fort Carson

• The White Buffalo of the 43rd Area Support Group is named "Liberty", and was unveiled on 1 October 2001. It was manufactured by Star Nursery & Garden Center, Pueblo, Colorado. In some traditions, these animals are sacred. The "White Buffalo" is the most revered of all. The appearance of the White Buffalo is a sign that prayers are being heard, that the sacred pipe is being honored, and that the promises of prophesy are being fulfilled.
• Liberty has deployed with the Brigade Headquarters to Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.
• On 17 September 2008, Liberty was refurbished and Liberty II was delivered into the custody of the Brigade by Star Nursery allowing the unit to deploy one while the other guards the home front.

In the media

• Through Vietnam, Somalia, 9/11 and Iraq, chaplain helped Soldiers find purpose and stability
• Equipment from the 43rd ASG was used as backdrop for Stargate SG-1. Location shooting was conducted at the NORAD facility, Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado Springs, Colorado in the vicinity of the 43rd's garrison at Fort Carson.
• 43rd deploys to Afghanistan for the second time
• 43rd Runs in the Army Ten Miler from Kandahar
• 43rd returns from a year-long deployment in Afghanistan

References

External links

• Fort Carson Homepage
• Fort Carson Phone Directory
• US Army Institute of Heraldry page for the 43rd Sustainment Brigade
• Official Lineage & Honors for the 43rd Sustainment Brigade
• Current Fort Carson "Mountaineer"
• Fort Carson Post History
• Army Emergency Relief
• Liberty gets a facelift and a twin