The foundation was laid for many of the U.S. Army's current units while the battles of World War I raged between the Allied and Central Powers. The 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, can trace its establishment back to the "Great War."
The 4th BSB was created Nov. 19, 1917, as the 4th Support Trains, 4th Division. The unit began its training Dec. 31, 1917, at Camp Greene, North Carolina.
"The primary role of the 4th BSB throughout its history was to ensure that the 4th ID had all necessary resources to ensure victory, and we proudly carry on that legacy today," said Lt. Col Richard Milloy, 4th BSB commander. "It is an honor and privilege to serve in such a storied unit."
And that story has been told across the world, from the fields and villages of Champagne, France, to the forests of Germany to the jungles of Vietnam and the deserts of Iraq. The 4th BSB's flag has flown on almost every continent.
"During these 100 years, there have been many changes to the 4th BSB, often reflective of how the Army as a whole has changed," said Capt. Yaritza Torres, commander, Company B, 4th BSB. "In a way, it showcases how war itself changes."
Examples of these changes began in 1921, when the 4th BSB went through the first of several reorganizations. As the Army worked through how to support the shift to tank warfare, the unit continued to undergo equipment and personnel changes until World War II.
During World War II, the unit's mission became more focused on vehicle support and expanded into fuel delivery and troop supply. During the Vietnam War and into today, the core mission has remained but now includes medical support.
However, it was not until 2004 with the creation of modular brigade combat teams and their mix of interchangeable, highly functional units, that "the 4BSB as we know it today really took shape," said 4th BSB Command Sgt. Maj. Owen Alexander.
"We took on the role of all-in-one combat support under a few different names but, all in all, we have always been a 'support battalion' regardless of what kind of support we have provided, and always will," said Alexander.
That support has garnered the 4th BSB three Presidential Unit Citations, an award from the former Republic of Vietnam and recognition across the Army.
The battalion's Soldiers have played more than just a supporting role. During 2016 and 2017 the 4th BSB participated in the 1st SBCT's training as a reconnaissance and security brigade.
"We were part of the recon and security mission -- a first for a brigade-size element," said Capt. Brian Hart, future operations officer, 4th BSB. "We helped to write the playbook for logistics in a mission set the Army had never used before."
The warfare and history of the last 100 years has arguably defined the modern Army. The battalion has not only participated in the many changes along the way, but helped write the story that makes many modern units what they are today.
"I think this unit, with its amazing history, is well-postured to meet the challenges of the next 100 years," said Maj. Eric Shockley, battalion executive officer.