The purpose of this web site is to provide the public with a better understanding of our unit and its importance to the State of California!

Our Unit

Based in Southern California, the 1-160th Infantry is a prestigious unit with a long and distinguished history. Our soldiers train and perform their duties in order to contribute to the continued future success of the battalion, the 40th Infantry Division, the Great State of California, and the United States of America.

The first Army Soldiers were Infantrymen and the Infantry is still the backbone of the Army.  Other branches support the infantry, because when the chips are down, it's still up to the Infantry to get the job done.

We are MECHANIZED!  

The role of the Infantry has not changed over time, but the equipment has.  Today's Mechanized Infantryman has mobility.   Today's Mechanized Infantryman has 50 times greater firepower than the soldier of just a generation ago.  We use the latest rifles, grenade launchers, and shoulder fired rockets.  We use infra-red equipment for night fighting and armored vehicles to get us where we are needed and get us there fast!

A fighting team with supporting armor, Mechanized Infantry is today's replacement for horse soldiers and cavalry. 

Being a mechanized infantryman is tough, demanding work that calls for brains, strategy, toughness, technical know-how, and physical stamina.  In our unit, you'll learn to maneuver your M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, fire, change direction, dismount and engage the enemy.

Mechanized Infantry means striking power.  Mechanized Infantry means speed, surprise and the power of shock as you and your mechanized rifle squad move swiftly to take control of any terrain, in any weather, anytime!

"When the dust settled and the smoke cleared, it was the man with the sword, crossbow, or musket, who settled the final issue on the battlefield."

     -George C. Marshall, General of the Army.

Our Mission

1st Battalion 160th Infantry (M) conducts ongoing pre-mobilization training as an M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle equipped Mechanized Infantry Battalion under US Army and National Guard Bureau guidelines. 

On order of the President of the United States the battalion mobilizes, conducts post-mobilization training, deploys to a theatre of operations, fights or conducts stability and support operations (SSO), or conducts "Homeland Defense" activities and redeploys. On order of the Governor of the State of California the battalion provides military support to civilian authorities (MSCA) in the preservation and protection of life, property, peace, public order and safety within the State of California.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR BATTALION
 

The National Guard

The National Guard's primary federal mission is to maintain properly trained and equipped units available for prompt mobilization for war, national emergency or as otherwise needed. Its state mission is to provide trained and disciplined forces for domestic emergencies or as otherwise required by state law. This dual-status role was established by the U.S. Constitution and has been consistently reaffirmed by the Congress as a reflection of the philosophical and practical ideals of our nation's founders. Throughout this century, the external and internal roles of the Guard have been further clarified and restated by the Congress based on the concept that America's citizens can and will mobilize for the common defense.

To meet these missions, the Army National Guard is structured to support both international and domestic requirements. At the federal level, the Guard provides decisive land power for major war and essential combat support and service support units for contingency operations. At the state and community level, the Guard provides a return on this federal investment through domestic support capabilities embedded in its units.