The 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, "The Thunderbirds", are a disciplined team of exceptional warriors, led by adaptive, confident leaders, skilled in the conduct of Unified Land Operations. They remain prepared to deploy whenever needed, into any operational environment, to protect our nation’s interests.
Additionally, on order of the Governor, the 45th IBCT will serve in a supporting role reinforcing the appropriate civil agencies as they work to protect life and property, while preserving the peace, order and public safety.
The 45th IBCT continues to build upon its tradition of service by focusing the energy of its over 3,400 warriors on those priorities that are relative to preparing this formation for future service. Progress will be tracked and measured in all readiness areas: personnel, medical, logistical and training. We will retain our ability to quickly flex in support of meeting our solemn obligation to our state by remaining prepared to support the appropriate civil authorities in the event of circumstance or natural disaster.
The 45th IBCT Soldiers continue to embody the best of the modern day Warrior, like their legendary predecessors, their focus is "Always Forward!"
MOBILIZATIONS IN SUPPORT OF:
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Operation New Dawn
Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine
Operation Freedom's Sentinel
The 45th IBCT is one of two National Guard IBCT’s that has mobilized three times in the last 12 years. It has conducted multiple deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operations Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn in Kuwait and Iraq. In the course of these deployments, the 45th IBCT has lost 15 Warriors and many more injured and wounded.
The 45th IBCT is a self-sufficient brigade containing a complete ensemble of infantry, cavalry, artillery, military intelligence, engineer, signal, support maintenance, medical and heavy transportation units.
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The Headquarters for the 45th IBCT, the 700th Brigade Support Battalion, and the 545th Brigade Engineer Battalion, is the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Norman, Oklahoma.
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The 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment is headquartered in Edmond, Oklahoma.
The 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment is headquartered in Sand Springs, Oklahoma.
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The 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Squadron is headquartered in McAlester, Oklahoma.
The 1st Battalion, 160th Field Artillery Regiment is headquartered in Chandler, Oklahoma.
In 2019, the 45th IBCT gained its first out of state battalion when the 2nd Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment was activated as part of the Nebraska National Guard.