History of the 298th Multi-Functional Training Regiment

The 298th Multi-Functional Training Regiment (MFTR), part of the Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), has a rich lineage rooted in the military traditions of Hawaii, evolving through the Territorial era, World War II, and into its modern role as a training institute. Its history reflects Hawaii’s unique multicultural society, contributions to national defense, and adaptations to changing military needs.

Below is an overview chronological account, drawing on its origins, key reorganizations, notable battles and deployments, battle honors, and prominent individuals who served with the unit or its direct predecessors.

Origins in the Kingdom and Territory of Hawai‘i (1852–1923)

The origins of the 298th MFTR date back to the volunteer militia units of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, predating U.S. annexation. The earliest precursor to the Hawai‘i National Guard was the 1st Hawaiian Guard, formed on 17 November 1852, a volunteer company of about 50 businessmen and civic leaders under King Kamehameha III.

This unit evolved into various formations, including the Honolulu Rifles formed on 28 February 1857, the 1st Hawaiian Cavalry (revived in 1860 as the Leleiohoku Guard), and others like the Mamalahoa Infantry, Prince’s Own Artillery, and King’s Guard, which served through the reigns of Kamehameha IV, Kamehameha V, Lunalilo, and Kalākaua. These early militias (50–200 men) focused on internal security, notably during the 1889 Wilcox Rebellion, where the Honolulu Rifles helped secure the Government Building and Palace Grounds.

Following the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani on 17 January 1893, the National Guard of Hawai‘i was established on 27 January 1893, comprising Company D (largely former Honolulu Rifles) and three volunteer companies (A, B, and C), forming the 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment. Colonel John H. Soper, a California National Guard veteran, fired the only shot of the revolution and became the Guard’s first commander and Adjutant General of the Republic.

Early missions included humanitarian efforts, relocating Hansen’s Disease patients (Kaua‘i, 1893) and suppressing the 1895 royalist counter-rebellion, where Company B engaged in skirmishes at Tantalus.

After U.S. annexation on 12 August 1898, the Guard became federally recognized. By 1899, it had 407 enlisted men across six companies who reenlisted under U.S. allegiance. The Guard supported responses to the Honolulu plague and Chinatown fire (1899–1900), setting up emergency shelters in Kalihi.

Federalized on 3 June 1916 during World War I preparations, the 1st Hawaiian Infantry comprised 12 companies representing Hawai‘i’s diverse ethnic groups. Under the 1917 Selective Draft Act, it reorganized into the 1st and 2nd Hawaiian Infantry Regiments, mobilized for home defense but not deployed due to local labor needs.

Following demobilization in 1919, units like the 111th Army Band gained federal recognition. The Guard also handled quarantines during the 1910 Russian immigrant crisis and the yellow fever epidemic (1911–1912).

On 20 August 1923, the 1st Infantry was redesignated as the 298th Infantry Regiment, and the 2nd as the 299th, formally establishing the 298th within the Hawai‘i National Guard.

World War II Era (1940–1946): Federalization, Pearl Harbor, and Pacific Deployments

The 298th Infantry was federalized on 15 October 1940 under President Roosevelt’s mobilization order, with 110 officers and 1,741 enlisted personnel, including approximately 40 Japanese Americans. The unit was attached to the 22nd Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brig. Gen. Daniel Sultan, and trained at Schofield Barracks alongside the 299th Infantry (from outer islands, under the 21st Brigade).

By June 1941, the 298th had received over 1,500 Nisei inductees, many with ROTC backgrounds, who advanced quickly to NCO ranks. Senior commanders, including Generals Charles Herron and Walter C. Short, recognized their loyalty and performance despite War Department hesitations.

On 7 December 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the 1st Battalion was stationed at Schofield Barracks, while the 2nd Battalion was posted on O‘ahu’s windward side. Many Nisei Soldiers returned from weekend passes and quickly assumed defensive duties, digging trenches despite initial weapons confiscation.

The next day, CPL David M. Akui of the 298th made history by capturing the first Japanese POW off Bellows Airfield.

Throughout early 1942, the 298th and 299th fortified shorelines, conducted patrols, and installed defensive positions across the islands. In May, 1,406 Japanese American Soldiers (798 from the 298th, 608 from the 299th) were reassigned to form the Hawaiian Provisional Infantry Battalion, later redesignated as the 100th Infantry Battalion, commanded by Lt. Col. Farrant L. Turner, former 298th XO.

The remainder of the 298th (1,802 troops) continued Hawai‘i’s defense until deploying in September 1943 to Guadalcanal and Espiritu Santo, conducting port security operations until December 1944. Though not in frontline combat, the mission was vital to theater logistics. The regiment was demobilized on 4 August 1946, having served longer on federal duty than any other National Guard unit during WWII.

Post-WWII Reorganizations and Modern Era (1946–Present)

The 298th Infantry was federally recognized on 9 September 1946, transitioning into support roles. From 1958 to 1969, it served in air defense using Nike-Hercules missiles, setting a world intercept record in 1964.

In 1970, an engineer detachment was added. By the 1990s, the unit had transformed into the 298th Multi-Functional Training Regiment (MFTR). Its 1st and 2nd Battalions were federally recognized on 16 August 1997, supporting the 29th Infantry Brigade’s enhanced readiness initiative.

Now headquartered at Bellows Air Force Station, with components at Pearl City, the 298th MFTR operates as a Regional Training Institute (RTI) under TRADOC’s Total Army School System (TASS).

Its mission is to train Hawai‘i Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, and Active Component Soldiers across the Pacific in MOS qualification and professional military education, accredited by TRADOC and other certifying agencies.