116th Infantry Regiment

116th Infantry Regiment
U.S. Army · Public domain · source
Unit name	116th Infantry Regiment
Caption	Regimental coat of arms
Dates	1881–present
Country	United States
Branch	National Guard
Type	Infantry
Garrison	Georgia
Nickname	"Stonewall" (historic)
Motto	"Ever Forward"
Colors	Blue and White

116th Infantry Regiment is an infantry regiment of the United States Army National Guard with origins in the late 19th century. The regiment has served in major American conflicts including the Spanish–American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War era mobilizations, and the Global War on Terror. Assigned historically to both divisional and independent roles, the regiment has been associated with state forces, federalized deployments, and joint operations alongside Regular Army, Marine Corps, and Allied units.

History

Organized during the era of post-Reconstruction militia reform, the regiment traces antecedents to state volunteer units that served in the Spanish–American War, with personnel drawn from units connected to the Georgia National Guard and neighboring state militias. Federal service in World War I placed elements into combat alongside formations such as the 78th Division and the 30th Division in the Western Front, participating in offensives linked to the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and operations near the Marne River. In World War II, the regiment fought in the European Theater, conducting amphibious landings and inland operations in coordination with elements of the United States Army and Allied armies including the British Army and Canadian Army. During Cold War mobilizations and the Korean War era, the regiment was federalized for training and strategic reserve missions, later supporting deployments in the Iraq War and Afghanistan as part of mobilizations under the United States Department of Defense and commands such as United States Central Command.

Lineage and Honors

The regiment's lineage records redesignations, consolidations, and federal service orders issued under statutes including the Militia Act of 1903 and subsequent amendments. Official honors include campaign credits for major operations in World War I, World War II, and contemporary campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Unit decorations have been awarded by authorities including the Department of the Army and allied governments, recognizing collective action alongside formations such as the 82nd Airborne Division in combined operations and cooperation with NATO partners like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Structure and Organization

Historically organized into battalions, companies, and platoons, the regiment has been subordinated to brigade and division echelons, interacting with commands such as the 31st Infantry Brigade Combat Team and higher headquarters including state adjutants general offices in Georgia. Tactical organization has varied across eras: during World War II the regiment operated as a regimental combat team attached to corps-level formations such as V Corps (United States); in the modular era its battalions integrated with Brigade Combat Team structures, joint task forces, and interagency partners including the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard Bureau.

Combat Service and Deployments

The regiment's combat service spans colonial era expeditions, major 20th-century wars, and 21st-century stability and counterinsurgency operations. In World War I it engaged in trench warfare and combined-arms offensives; in World War II it executed assault landings and sustained maneuver warfare in terrain ranging from coastal approaches to bocage and urban centers, conducting operations coordinated with the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force and army groups. Post-9/11 deployments involved security force assistance, route clearance, and base defense missions integrated with Multinational Force elements, provincial reconstruction teams, and coalition partners under Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom mandates.

Training and Doctrine

Training followed doctrine promulgated by the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command and adapted for National Guard missions, emphasizing small-unit tactics, combined-arms integration, and interoperability with partner militaries. Regiment-level training cycles incorporated exercises at ranges such as National Training Center (Fort Irwin) and maneuver areas including the Joint Readiness Training Center, with resident instruction coordinated with the Army National Guard school system, state military academies, and joint professional military education programs. Pre-deployment preparations included mission command exercises, live-fire qualification, and partnered training with units from the United Kingdom and other NATO members.

Notable Members and Leadership

Leadership and notable members have included state adjutants, regimental commanders, and decorated enlisted personnel who later served in higher office or received awards such as the Distinguished Service Cross (United States), Silver Star, and foreign decorations. Several officers progressed to statewide and federal positions, interacting with institutions including the Georgia General Assembly and the United States Congress through post-service careers and veterans' advocacy.

Insignia and Traditions

The regiment's distinctive unit insignia and coat of arms reflect campaign history, heraldic symbols approved by the Institute of Heraldry (U.S. Army), and regimental colors displayed during ceremonies such as change-of-command and memorial observances. Traditions include annual remembrance events tied to battle anniversaries, partnerships with veteran organizations like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, and community engagement within cities and counties across Georgia and regional civic institutions.

Category:Infantry regiments of the United States Army National Guard Category:Military units and formations established in 1881