Artillery
The thunder behind Tropic Lightning
25th Division Artillery (DIVARTY)
Division Artillery has been the fire support backbone of the 25th Infantry Division since the Division's activation in 1941. DIVARTY coordinates all artillery fires for the Division, ensuring infantry and armor units have the fire support they need to accomplish their missions.
Throughout WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror, the artillerymen of the 25th Infantry Division have provided accurate and timely fires that have been critical to the Division's success in every conflict. Today, DIVARTY continues this tradition from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Field Artillery Battalions
The 25th Infantry Division has been supported by numerous field artillery battalions throughout its history. During Vietnam, these included battalions from the 8th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 25th, and 77th Artillery. These units provided fire support with 105mm howitzers, 155mm howitzers, and 8-inch guns from fire support bases across III Corps.
Artillery fire support bases (FSBs) were a defining feature of the Vietnam War, serving as both artillery platforms and infantry strong points. The 25th Infantry Division operated numerous FSBs throughout its area of operations, including bases in Cu Chi, Tay Ninh, and Dau Tieng.
Air Defense Artillery
Air defense artillery units have protected the Division from aerial threats throughout its history. During the Vietnam War, air defense artillery units were repurposed for ground fire support, using their rapid-fire weapons systems (including the M42 Duster and quad .50 caliber machine guns) for perimeter defense and convoy escort.
Today, air defense artillery remains a critical component of the Division's force protection capabilities, particularly given the evolving aerial threat environment in the Pacific.
Evolution of Artillery in the 25th ID
Artillery has evolved dramatically over the Division's history. In WWII, the Division relied on towed 105mm howitzers. By Korea, the mix included 155mm guns for deeper fires. Vietnam saw the widespread use of helicopter-mobile artillery, with guns being airlifted to remote fire support bases. The Global War on Terror era brought precision-guided munitions and digital fire control systems.
Through every evolution in technology and tactics, the artillerymen of the 25th Infantry Division have maintained their core mission: putting accurate steel on target in support of the infantry.