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| 179th Infantry Regiment | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | 179th Infantry Regiment |
| Dates | 1917–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Light infantry |
| Size | Regiment |
| Command structure | Minnesota National Guard |
| Garrison | Camp Ripley |
179th Infantry Regiment The 179th Infantry Regiment is a United States Army infantry regiment of the Minnesota National Guard with origins in World War I mobilizations and a continuous lineage through World War II, Cold War reorganizations, and 21st-century deployments. The regiment has served under commands including the 42nd Infantry Division, the 47th Infantry Division (United States), and subordinate to National Guard Bureau directions during domestic responses such as Hurricane Katrina relief and overseas operations in Iraq War and War in Afghanistan (2001–present). Its soldiers have trained at installations including Camp Ripley, Fort McCoy, and Fort Benning.
Constituted during the period of mobilization for World War I amid the Selective Service Act of 1917, the unit traces origins to Minnesota infantry elements mustered for the American Expeditionary Forces. Between the world wars the regiment was reorganized under the National Defense Act and served in interwar maneuvers with units from Wisconsin National Guard and North Dakota National Guard. During World War II elements deployed in the European Theater, participating in campaigns coordinated by U.S. Army Europe and fighting alongside formations such as the 101st Airborne Division and the 1st Infantry Division in operations influenced by the Operation Overlord planning cycle. Postwar restructuring saw integration into the National Guard Bureau force structure during the Pentomic and ROAD (Reorganization Objective Army Divisions) eras, and later modular conversion aligning with U.S. Army Regimental System guidance for readiness during Global War on Terrorism deployments.
The regiment's lineage records a sequence of federal recognitions, reorganizations, and consolidations with state militia companies and National Guard battalions traced through Department of the Army orders. Historically assigned to brigades under the 47th Infantry Division (United States) and task-organized for federal service with the 34th Infantry Division (United States) or other divisional headquarters as required. Organizational changes followed Army initiatives such as the transition to infantry battalion-centric structures, reflecting contemporary doctrine promulgated by TRADOC and aligned with National Guard mobilization plans administered by the Adjutant General of Minnesota.
Campaign credits include participation in major actions associated with World War I and World War II campaigns recognized by the Department of the Army campaign streamers. In the modern era, companies and battalions were mobilized for operations in Iraq War theaters including Operation Iraqi Freedom security tasks, and in Operation Enduring Freedom provincial reconstruction and advisory missions in Afghanistan. The regiment also conducted domestic operations during natural disasters, supporting Federal Emergency Management Agency missions, and state emergency responses ordered by the Minnesota Governor of Minnesota.
The regiment and its subordinate units have been awarded campaign streamers and unit decorations authorized by Army Heraldry Branch, reflecting service in theaters associated with American Expeditionary Forces campaigns, European Theatre of World War II operations, and Global War on Terrorism engagements. Individual soldiers received decorations including the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, and Purple Heart while assigned to regimental elements, and unit awards have been approved through National Guard channels and the Adjutant General of the United States when federally recognized.
Organized as infantry battalions with Headquarters and Headquarters Companies, rifle companies, and support elements, the regiment operates light infantry formations capable of dismounted operations, urban operations, and stability tasks. Equipment common to its formations includes small arms such as the M4 carbine, crew-served weapons like the M240 machine gun, indirect fire systems including the M224 mortar, and communications suites interoperable with Joint Tactical Radio System standards. Training and force modernization followed guidance from U.S. Army Forces Command and interoperability initiatives with NATO partners during joint exercises at locations such as Joint Readiness Training Center rotations.
Noteworthy figures associated with the regiment include commanders and leaders who later served in state and federal positions such as adjutants general, members of the Minnesota Legislature, and veterans honored in civic roles. Some regimental alumni served in senior National Guard leadership echelons, while others were recipients of combat awards linked to campaigns in Europe and Southwest Asia, and later contributed to defense policy discussions at institutions like the National Defense University.
The regiment's distinctive unit insignia and coat of arms were approved by the Institute of Heraldry and incorporate symbolism reflecting Minnesota heritage, campaign honors, and unit lineage tied to early militia companies. Traditions include regimental ceremonies observed at state armories, colors presentations conforming to Army Regulation 600-25 guidance, and annual commemorations aligned with observances such as Veterans Day and memorial events honoring service in historic battles.
Category:Infantry regiments of the United States Army Category:Minnesota National Guard units Category:Military units and formations established in 1917