4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team “Vanguard” History

Activated on May 26, 2004, the Vanguard Brigade was the first new brigade formed under the Army's modularity transformation initiative and was "Out Front" setting the pace for the Army while simultaneously preparing to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

After completing a six month train-up and a Mission Rehearsal Exercise at JRTC, the Brigade deployed to Iraq in January 2005 and assumed its mission as the Multi-National Division - Baghdad main effort on March 4, 2005. After assuming responsibility for an area that had previously been occupied by two brigades, the Vanguard Brigade ensured the success of numerous milestone events including the seating of the first freely elected Iraqi government and more than 100 subsequent sessions of the Iraqi Transitional National Assembly; the trial of Saddam Hussein; the vote on the Constitutional Referendum; the elections for the first 4 - year Iraqi Government; the activation and training of the 5th Iraqi Army Brigade, 6th Division; and security of the Iraqi strategic center of gravity within the International Zone.

The Vanguard Brigade established partnerships and conducted joint combat operations with 21 Iraqi Security Force Battalions and established a Joint Operations and Intelligence center. The Vanguard Brigade remained steadfast in its year-long mission to conduct full-spectrum counter insurgency operations to defeat Anti-Iraq Forces, secure key terrain, support government and economic development, and develop Iraqi Security Force capability to create a security environment that facilitates the completion of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1546.

In October 2007, the Brigade deployed for its second tour of duty in Iraq and arrived during the final stages of surge operations. The Brigade assumed its mission as the Multi-National Division - Center main effort in Iraq's Babil province while providing tactical over-watch of the Najaf and Karbala provinces.

During OIF 07-09, the Brigade completed countless operations, shaped numerous landmark events, and founded many initiatives which all contributed to greater security, improved infrastructure, and the advancement of the Iraqi military and police forces. The mission was such an overwhelming success that the Brigade was able to hand over its area of operations to Provincial Iraqi Control prior to the end of its deployment and seamlessly transferred its authority to a new brigade ready to continue the positive momentum.

The Brigade returned to Fort Stewart in December 2008 to conduct reintegration, reset and regeneration operations. In March 2009, the brigade began its own transformation from heavy armor to light infantry and began preparation for its next operational deployment in support of OIF.

The Brigade deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq in early July 2010 after training at Fort Stewart, Ga., and the National Training Center. Vanguard Soldiers took on the mission to strengthen Iraqi Security Forces and transition missions and facilities in Al Anbar Province to the Government of Iraq and United States Mission – Iraq entities to contribute to provincial security and an enduring Iraq-US strategic partnership.

Highlights of the partnership with Iraqi Army units included Battalion level IA training event Tadrib al Shameel (TaS) and the Platoon level Iraqi Army Operation Eagle’s Talon. These operations were key components in the plan to inculcate the IA with a culture of training management and assessment of improvement.

In addition to working with the IA, 4/3 AAB identified assisting the Iraqi Police and Judicial entities as a key task. Rule of Law training resulted in improved Iraqi Police and judicial methods, notably increased forensics proficiency and conviction rates, along with improved intelligence sharing capabilities.

The Brigade developed and maintained a special relationship with the Provincial Reconstruction Team also headquartered at Camp Ramadi, working hand in hand with the State Department professionals to support their initiatives across the Province. The Brigade and PRT worked together on civil capacity projects such as capital construction and on smaller relationship building initiatives such as Combined Medical Engagements (CME).

Over the yearlong deployment, 4/3 AAB succeeded in demonstrating to the Iraqi Security Forces that training pays off. Iraqi Army and Police leaders have a better understanding and appreciation for training methodologies that will benefit their units for years to come. Furthermore, the Brigade’s partnership with the PRT facilitated increased GoI proficiency and accountability along with improved health, education, economic, and employment opportunities for Anbar communities.

The 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s premier Light Infantry Brigade, continues to be “Out Front” in support of the Rock of the Marne and the United States of America. Vanguard Soldiers stand ready to answer any call to deploy worldwide and perform any mission our Nation asks.