701st Brigade Support Battalion

The 701st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, cased its colors as part of the overall 4th IBCT inactivation process June 2 at Cavalry Parade Field on Fort Riley. Distinguished visitors, families and friends of the 701st BSB were in attendance to witness Lt. Col. Joseph M. Colacicco, 701st BSB commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Gerald A. Wood, the battalion's senior noncommissioned officer, furl the colors.

The "Diligent" battalion activated in October 1917, starting out its Army life as Machine Shop Truck Unit #332. In 1943, the 701st BSB fought with the 1st Inf. Div. as an Ordnance Light Maintenance Company, earning eight campaign streamers. Re-designated as the 701st Maintenance Battalion after World War II, the battalion deployed to Vietnam again with the "Big Red One," earning six battle streamers and two Meritorious Unit Commendations. The end of the 1st Inf. Div.'s involvement in Vietnam brought the 701st BSB to Fort Riley. In March 2008, Diligent found a home in the 4th IBCT. The battalion has deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and, most recently, completed missions as part of the regionally aligned force.

Last week, long-time member of the Diligent Battalion, SPC Brian Bearss, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in a ceremony at the motor pool. Congratulations SGT Bearss, 701st is proud of you!

Diligent Team! 701st BSB will be holding a Dining In for E5s and above on 2 April! Please contact your company representatives to purchase your tickets. This is the last formal event before 701st inactivates, so please join us!

1SG Danny Burky changed responsibility of B Co., 701st BSB with SFC Tony Jones on Friday, 20 February 2015 in a ceremony at the Battalion Motorpool. SFC Jones has been the Maintenance Platoon Sergeant since his arrival at 701st in July 2014. Now MSG Burky will take over as the 2ABCT Rear Detachment Sergeant Major while they complete their NTC rotation, and will return to 701st in HHC until he departs for the Sergeant Major Academy in July.