Fort Sill, Okla. July 2, 2015 -- Officers and noncommissioned officers of 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery completed a professional development exercise during a battalion staff ride June 19, here.
More than 20 senior leaders from the unit delivered several Fort Sill specific, historical briefs at locations like Medicine Bluffs and the Old Post Quadrangle. The historic facts were derived from the book "Carbine and Lance: The Story of Old Fort Sill," by Col. Wilbur Sturtevant Nye. Each officer was assigned to read the book, as well as Army Doctrine Publication 6-0 on the philosophy of mission command, then prepare presentations in groups.
The presentations covered a variety of topics such as the significance of the key players associated with the management of Native American territory during the establishment of Fort Sill, the similarities found in modern counter-insurgency tactics and those used by Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan, and the effects of the friction created between Fort Sill and the Native Americans on regional and national levels.
These topics were explained, as well as related to aspects of the Army's mission command philosophy. Leaders identified strengths and weaknesses noted in their research with respect to mission command imperatives, such as the empowerment of subordinates to make timely and informed decisions in the absence of senior leadership.
First Lt. Christopher Robbins, battalion chief liaison officer, said he learned lessons at the culmination of the exercise.
"Reading and understanding the rich history of the origins of Fort Sill was extremely interesting, especially after being stationed at this post for over three years," said Robbins, "It is quite remarkable to associate some of the road names and buildings that I see in passing everyday with the individuals that have made such immense contributions, and left such lasting impressions on this post."
In addition to the briefs, there was also a special presentation honoring Chief Satanta, a historical leader of the Kiowa Tribe. Satanta was a great Kiowa leader and warrior in this area at the time that Fort Sill was formed.
The 14th Field Artillery Regiment bears the resemblance of his headdress and spear.
Betty Satanta Washburn, great granddaughter of the chief, provided an oratory history passed down in her family covering her great grandfather, the Kiowa tribe and the relationships they shared with the founders of Fort Sill.
"I am so proud of him [Satanta], he watched over us. He took care of the warriors, kept them safe and kept us safe. I am honored to be here before you today and thank you for honoring the legacy of my family and the Kiowa tribe," said Washburn. "It is wonderful that we now fight side-by-side, protecting these lands together."
Following Washburn's historical oration, the Fort Sill museum staff displayed Satanta's war shield that is over 150 years old. Due to the aging condition of the artifacts, the museum staff noted that this would likely be their final open display, and would only be available for viewing behind glass barriers in the future.
As the 14th FA approaches its 100th anniversary in 2016, the importance of understanding the legacy that the regiment is tied to was emphasized.
"This staff ride is extremely special to us. As the only field artillery regiment that was formed at Fort Sill and still resides here today, we take special reverence to the legacy of Satanta, the Kiowa Tribe and the importance of Fort Sill on our nation's history," said Lt. Col. Peter Sittenauer, 1-14th FA commander. "I know that many of our senior leaders will walk away from this with a greater appreciation for the ground they walk on daily."
The regiment traces its lineage directly back to the Old Post Quadrangle where the unit was constituted in 1916. There are few units in the Army that can take pride in knowing that even after almost 100 years, on the very grounds its predecessors mustered daily, its members still provide the Army with exceptional field artillery support.
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