SD Guard announces modernization changes for 1-147th battalion

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - The South Dakota National Guard announced the 1-147th Field Artillery Battalion will be going through a modernization Force Design Update effective Oct. 1, 2022.

The battalion will grow by 113 additional soldiers to over 450 soldiers. It will also relocate units to maximize training, logistics support and readiness requirements, according to a Guard release.

Currently the battalion’s primary weapon system is the M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket System. The 1-147th has two firing batteries, Alpha Battery located in Aberdeen, and Bravo Battery located in Yankton, each with eight M270A1 launchers. Under the new design they will add a third firing battery, Charlie Battery and increase launchers for a total of 27. The battalion’s current M270A1 launchers will be turned in and the units will receive new M270A2 launchers.

“The changes to 1-147th are necessary to keep up with the current and future wartime requirements,” said Maj. Gen. Jeff Marlette, adjutant general for the South Dakota National Guard.

The 1-147th mission is to provide long-range, precision artillery fire to a brigade, division, corps or coalition task force, along with supported multifunctional logistics.