West Virginia Army National Guard
The West Virginia Army National Guard (WVARNG) is the United States Army component of the West Virginia National Guard. It has 38 units and activities stationed in 22 counties throughout West Virginia and overseas. The WV ARNG is supporting Homeland Security activities, and has deployed troops as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and peace keeping missions in Kosovo.
The WVARNG has a three-fold mission:
- (a) Federal Mission: As a Reserve Component of the Army, maintain combat ready units and Soldiers who are available to mobilize in support of the U.S. National Military Strategy;
- (b) State Mission: Provide organized, trained and equipment units to protect life and property and to preserve peace, order and public safety when ordered by the governor; and
- (c) Community Mission: To add value to the communities in which we live, work and serve.
Units include the:
- 1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team
- 1st Battalion, 201st Field Artillery Regiment, 197th Fires Brigade
- 111th Engineer Brigade
- D Company, 230th Brigade Support Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team
- 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) HHD, SPT CO, C CO, DET-1
- 157th MP CO - directly descendant from Morgan's Militia
Two units of the West Virginia Army National Guard, the 150th Cavalry Regiment and the 201st Field Artillery Regiment, are among the nineteen Army National Guard units with campaign credit for the War of 1812. The 150th Infantry Regiment served with the 38th Infantry Division between the wars, served in the Panama Canal Zone during World War II, and was an armoured cavalry regiment for a time after World War II.
West Viriginia is also home to the 249th Army Band, stationed in Morgantown, WV. The band's history dates back to the turn of the century when it consisted of two bands, the 201st Infantry Band in Morgantown, WV and the 150th Infantry Band in Bluefield, WV. Upon release from federal service in World War Two, these two bands were consolidated into the current 249th and was stationed in Fairmont, West Virginia. In 1995, the 249th was stationed in Morgantown. The band is made up of members from throughout the state as well as surrounding states. These personnel make up a Concert Band, Ceremonial Band, Jazz Ensemble, Rock Band, and several other small ensembles including, but not limited to, a Brass Choir, Jazz Quartet, and Percussion Ensemble.
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