Field Artillery Branch (United States)

Field Artillery Branch (United States)
Unit name	Field Artillery Branch
Caption	Branch insignia: Two crossed field guns
Dates	17 November 1775 – present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Combat arms
Role	Fire support
Motto	"King of Battle"
Colors	Scarlet
Equipment	See Equipment
Battles	American Revolutionary War, War of 1812, American Civil War, Spanish–American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq War
Anniversaries	17 November (Birthday)
Commander1	Chief of Field Artillery
Identification symbol label	Branch plaque

Field Artillery Branch (United States). The Field Artillery Branch is the United States Army's combat arm dedicated to providing long-range, indirect fire support to maneuver forces. Tracing its lineage to the Continental Army of the American Revolutionary War, it has been a decisive component in every major American conflict. Known by the motto "King of Battle," its units deliver precision and massed fires using advanced cannons, rockets, and missiles to destroy, neutralize, or suppress enemy targets.

History

The branch's origins are tied to Henry Knox, the first chief of artillery for the Continental Army, who famously transported captured British cannon from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston in 1775. During the American Civil War, artillery evolved with innovations like John Gibbon's tactical manuals and the widespread use of Napoleon howitzers at battles such as Gettysburg. The Spanish–American War saw the deployment of modern French 75mm guns. In World War I, American artillerymen, including units like the 129th Field Artillery Regiment, operated under the American Expeditionary Forces and utilized French-made weapons like the Canon de 155 C modèle 1917 Schneider. The World War II era brought massive artillery barrages in campaigns from the Battle of the Bulge to the Battle of Okinawa, employing the iconic M2A1 105mm howitzer. The Cold War focused on nuclear-capable systems like the M65 Atomic Cannon and the Lance missile. Recent conflicts, including the Gulf War and the Iraq War, have been defined by the integration of digital fire control networks, precision-guided munitions, and the devastating effects of the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System.

Organization

The branch is led by the Chief of Field Artillery, headquartered at Fort Sill, which also serves as the home of the United States Army Field Artillery School. Operational units are integrated into Brigade Combat Teams as direct support battalions, such as those in the 1st Infantry Division. Larger formations include field artillery brigades within Corps and Divisions, providing general support. Key operational and training commands include the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force and the 75th Field Artillery Brigade. The institutional force is managed by the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command and the United States Army Forces Command.

Equipment

The primary cannon system is the M777 155mm towed howitzer, used by units like the 11th Marine Regiment. Self-propelled artillery includes the M109A7 Paladin. The branch employs multiple rocket artillery systems: the tracked M270 MLRS and the wheeled M142 HIMARS, both capable of firing the precision-guided MGM-140 ATACMS and GMLRS. Fire direction is managed by advanced systems like the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System. Historic systems that defined earlier eras include the M114 155mm howitzer and the M8-inch self-propelled howitzer.

Training

All field artillery officers and enlisted personnel receive initial training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. The United States Army Field Artillery School conducts specialized courses in fire direction, gunnery, and tactics. Key training events include the Joint Readiness Training Center rotations at Fort Johnson and the National Training Center at Fort Irwin. Soldiers train on simulators for systems like the M119A3 105mm howitzer and certify on live-fire ranges. Advanced leadership courses are held at the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

Traditions and insignia

The branch color is scarlet, seen on unit guidons and the Army Service Uniform shoulder cord. The branch insignia consists of two crossed, stylized field guns from the 1790s. The motto "King of Battle" underscores artillery's dominant role. The official branch birthday is celebrated on 17 November, commemorating the appointment of Henry Knox. The prestigious Order of Saint Barbara is awarded to artillerymen and supporters for exceptional service. The song "The Army Goes Rolling Along" is traditionally played at ceremonies.

Notable members

Key historical figures include founding father Henry Knox and Civil War general John Gibbon. World War I commander Charles P. Summerall later served as Chief of Staff of the United States Army. Creed C. Hammond was a pioneering developer of artillery fuzes. Legendary figures from World War II and Korea include Maxwell D. Taylor and Anthony McAuliffe of Bastogne fame. Modern leaders include former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gordon R. Sullivan and former United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki.

Category:Field artillery of the United States Category:Combat arms of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1775