2:8th FA

• Unit Designation: The 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment (2/8th FA) is part of the United States Army, with a lineage dating back to World War I. • World War I Origins: The 8th Field Artillery Regiment was constituted on 1 July 1916 and organized at Fort Bliss, Texas, giving the battalion over a century of history. • Nickname: The unit is sometimes known as the "Automatic Eighth," referencing the regiment's early adoption of mechanized and motorized artillery. • Redleg Identity: As a field artillery unit, 2/8th FA soldiers are commonly called "Redlegs," a traditional nickname for artillerymen stemming from the red stripe on Civil War uniforms. • Aleutian Campaign: The 2/8th FA participated in the Aleutian Islands campaign during World War II, providing crucial fire support against Japanese forces in Alaska. • Korean War Service: The battalion earned distinction in the Korean War, participating in several key campaigns and earning multiple unit citations for valor. • Cold War Deployments: The unit was stationed in Germany during the Cold War, operating as part of NATO's forward defense against possible Soviet aggression. • Modernization: 2/8th FA has operated various artillery systems, including the M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, showcasing adaptability to evolving technology. • Recent Deployments: In the 21st century, the battalion has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, providing artillery support and conducting security operations. • Motto and Heraldry: The unit motto is "AUDACIEUX ET TENACE" (Bold and Tenacious), reflecting its fighting spirit; its distinctive unit insignia features a red shield with a gold artillery shell.