The 1st Infantry Division, known as "The Big Red One" or "The Fighting First," is the oldest continuously serving division in the US Army.

Established in 1917, the division operates as a heavy, armored force capable of high-intensity action against near-peer adversaries.

Based at Fort Riley, Kansas, the division uses M1 Abrams tanks and M2 Bradley vehicles within its 1st and 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Teams.

These ground units are further bolstered by the 1st Infantry Division Artillery, which provides devastating long-range fire support on the battlefield.

The 1st Combat Aviation Brigade supports the division with air assault, reconnaissance and heavy-lift capabilities, including AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

A historic record of battlefield contributions

The 1st Infantry Division was first deployed to France during World War I and played a pivotal role in its campaigns.

The division notably led the first American victory of the war at the Battle of Cantigny, proving the effectiveness of US troops to the world.

In World War II, the division fought in Africa, Sicily and Omaha Beach before breaching the Siegfried Line at Aachen during the advance into Germany.

Following World War II, the division served in West Germany from 1945 to 1955 and continued rotating brigades forward through the Cold War.

Beyond Europe, the division spent years engaged in the dense jungles of Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, participating in major operations like Junction City.

In 1991, 12,000 division troops pierced Iraqi lines, destroyed hundreds of tanks and captured thousands of prisoners, cementing their desert combat expertise.

In Operation Iraqi Freedom, the division deployed to northern Iraq for decisive operations in the region.

Among their achievements, the division rapidly destroyed Iraq's Republican Guard units and cut off retreating enemy forces, showcasing their unmatched effectiveness in combined arms warfare.

During the War in Afghanistan, the division continued to demonstrate its adaptability and strength in the evolving nature of modern combat operations.

Honors and reputation

The 1st Infantry Division has earned a reputation as one of the Army's most storied units.

Thirty-seven members of the division have been awarded the Medal of Honor, highlighting its long-standing tradition of bravery and sacrifice.

Today, the unit maintains its readiness through regular deployments to Eastern Europe and the Middle East, ensuring a persistent presence in global hotspots.

Known for its capability to conduct large-scale combined arms operations, the division remains synonymous with decisive action in desert and armored warfare environments.

With its rich legacy and combat-proven strength, "The Big Red One" stands as a symbol of excellence and resilience in America's military history.