History of the 298th Multi-Functional Training Regiment
298th MFTR
298th Multi-Functional Training Regiment
298th Regiment, Regional Training Institute (1 Dec. 1996 – FY 2001)
Hawaii Military Academy (June 1974 – 1 Dec. 1996)
Hawaiʻi Army National Guard Officer Candidate School (May 1961 – June 1974)
Hawaiʻi Army National Guard Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (Sep 1970 – June 1974)
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, the Guard 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.
298th Multi-Functional Training Regiment Chronological History
Headquarters, 298th Regiment – Regional Training Institute
Headquarters, 298th Regiment-Regional Training Institute(RTI), previously known as the Hawaii Military Academy (Detachment 2, Headquarters, State Area Command, was officially reorganized on Dec. 1, 1996. The RTI, commanded by Col. James R. Carpenter, consists of the 1st Battalion, 298th Regiment; the 2nd Battalion, 298th Regiment; and, the Ordnance Training Battalion (0TB). The regiment is an extension of the Training and Doctrine Command’s (TRADOC) total force school system. The TRADOC accredited the 298th and the U.S. Army Ordnance Center and School, and the U.S. Quartermaster School accredited OTB. Graduates receive the appropriate proponent diplomas.
The battalions provide training for HIARNG, U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and active Army soldiers from the Pacific area. Training is conducted in four major categories: Officer Candidate School, Noncommissioned Officers Education System, Non-prior Service Training Program and Military Occupational Specialty Qualification courses.
In 1997, the institute’ s nine officer candidates were commissioned as second lieutenants. Members of the graduating class completed their final two weeks of intensive training at Fort Lewis, Wash. The 205th Regiment (Leadership), Washington Army National Guard, hosted the training. The programmed officer training was consolidated with 54 other academies from seven different regions. The incoming OCS class conducted Phase I OCS training at Fort Carson, Colo. The training was hosted by the 1st Battalion (OCS), 168th Regiment (RTI), Colorado Army National Guard and included 20 other states.
Battle-focused instructor training courses and small group instructor courses were also conducted at the institute for unit trainers, to include 50 active component soldiers.
The OTB provided maintenance and logistics training to active Army, National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers, and U.S. Marines. The OTB conducted MOSQ transition, sustainment and skill qualification courses.
The automated logistical specialist transition and MOSQ course that the training site offers is beneficial to the National Guard, during this time of unit reorganization. A soldier will be awarded the appropriate skill level identifier upon completion of this course.
The OTB is the training hub for fielding and upgrading the unit level logistics system for all units of U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC). It will continue to train operators of the system and provide technical advice throughout the Pacific.
The OTB has added computer training and is in the process of constructing a state-of-the-art computer lab with approximately 20 stations. In FY 97, the OTB began training Army and Air National Guardsmen, as well as their families, in computer skills and the RCAS functions. The courses are free of charge and provided during the work day, at nights, and on weekends.
– 1997 Annual Report pp. 7
Headquarters, 298th Regiment Regional Training Institute
Headquarters, 298th Regiment-Regional Training Institute (RTI), previously known as the Hawaii Military Academy (Detachment 2, Headquarters, State Area Command), was officially reorganized on Dec. I, 1996. The training institute, commanded by Col. James R. Carpenter, consists of the Regimental Headquarters, the l st Battalion, 298th Regiment and the 2nd Battalion, 298th Regiment located at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, and the Ordnance Training Battalion (OTB) located at the Regional Training Site Maintenance (RTSM) in Pearl City.
The battalions provide training primarily for Hawaii Army Guard, U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and active Army soldiers from the Pacific Region. The training of active duty soldiers at the RTI and OTB saves the active component units in the Pacific region valuable training dollars. The training conducted by each of the three battalions at the institute is described in the following sections. Graduates from all courses receive the appropriate proponent diplomas.
The HIARNG is in the planning stages of building a new RTI facility at Bellows Air Force Station.
This year, $5. l million has been allocated for phase one of the project. Both the RTI and OTB have been planning and preparing for the installation of the distance learning classrooms that will be remodeled and equipped with new video/ computer technology soon.
– 1998 Annual Report pp. 8
298th Regiment, Regional Training Institute
The 298th Regiment, Regional Training Institute (RTI), previously known as the Hawaii Military Academy (Detachment 2, HQ – STARC), was officially reorganized, Dec. 1, 1996: Commanded by Cpl. James R. Carpenter, the RTI consists of the Regimental Headquarters; the 1st Battalion, 298th Regiment; the 2nd Battalion, 298th Regiment located at Bellows Air Force Station Waimanalo; and, the Ordnance Training Battalion (OTB) located at the Regional Training Site Maintenance (RTSM) in Pearl City.
The regiment is an extension of the Training and Doctrine Command’s (TRADOC)Total Army School System (TASS). The RTI is accredited by representatives from various agencies including TRADOC, the Sergeants Major Academy, the active duty proponent schools for the various military occupational specialties (MOS’s), and the U.S. Army Ordnance Center. The battalions provide training primarily for HIARNG. U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and active Army soldiers from the Pacific region. The training of active duty soldiers at the RTI and OTB saves the active component units in the Pacific region valuable training dollars. The training conducted by each of the three battalions at the RTI is described in the following sections. Graduates from all courses receive the appropriate proponent diplomas.
Both the RTI and OTB have distance learning capabilities equipped with new video/computer technology that enables them to teach or receive instruction from other distance learning centers around the world. Improvements and additional capabilities are being added are operational centers across the mainland to enhance the learning experience.
– 1999 Annual Report pp. 8
298th Regiment, Regional Training Institute
The 298th Regiment, RTI, previously known as the Hawaii Military Academy (Detachment 2, HQ STARC), is commanded by Col. John R. Penebacker. The regimental headquarters and the 1st and 2nd Battalions are located at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo and the Ordnance Training Battalion (OTB) is located at the Regional Training Site Maintenance (RTSM) in Pearl City.
The regiment is an extension of the Training and Doctrine Command’s (TRADOC) Total Army School System. The RTI is accredited by various agencies including TRADOC, the Sergeants Major Academy, the active duty proponent schools for the various military occupational specialties (MOS), and the U.S. Army Ordnance Center. The battalions provide training primarily for HIARNG, U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and active Army soldiers from the Pacific Region. The training of active duty soldiers at the RTI and OTB saves the active component units in the Pacific region valuable training dollars.
– 2000 Annual Report pp. 8
298th Regiment, Regional Training Institute (RTI)
The 298th Regiment, RTI, is commanded by Col. John R. Penebacker. The regimental headquarters and the 1st and 2nd Battalions are located at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo and the Ordnance Training Battalion (OTB) is located at the Regional Training Site Maintenance (RTSM) in Pearl City.
The regiment is an extension of the Training and Doctrine Command’s (TRADOC) Total Army School System. The RTI is accredited by various agencies including TRADOC, the Sergeants Major Academy, the active duty proponent schools for the various military occupational specialties (MOS), and the U.S. Army Ordnance Center. The battalions provide training primarily for HIARNG, U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and active Army soldiers from the Pacific region. The training of active duty soldiers at the RTI and OTB saves the active component units in the Pacific region valuable training dollars.
– 2001 Annual Report pp. 9
298th Regiment-Multifunctional, Regional Training Institute (RTI)
The 298th Regiment-Multifunctional, RTI, is commanded by Col. John R. Penebacker. The regimental headquarters and the 1st and 2nd Battalions are located at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, and the Ordnance Training Battalion (OTB) is located at the Regional Training Site Maintenance (RTSM) in Pearl City.
The regiment is an extension of the Training and Doctrine Command’s (TRADOC) Total Army School System. The battalions provide training primarily for HIARNG, U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and active Army soldiers from the Pacific region. The training of active duty soldiers at the RTI and OTB saves the active component units in the Pacific region valuable training dollars.
– 2002 Annual Report pp. 8
298th Regiment-Multifunctional Training Brigade, Regional Training Institute (RTI)
The 298th Regiment is commanded by Col. John R. Penebacker. The headquarters, 1st and 2nd Battalions are located at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo. The Ordnance Training Battalion (OTB) is located at the Regional Training Site Maintenance (RTSM) in Pearl City.
The regiment is an extension of the Training and Doctrine Command’s (TRADOC) Total Army School System. The battalions service primarily HIARNG, U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and active component soldiers from the Pacific region, saving valuable training dollars and time.
– 2003 Annual Report pp. 8
298th Regiment-Multifunctional Training Brigade, Regional Training Institute (RTI)
The 298th Regiment is commanded by Col. John R. Penebacker. The headquarters, 1st and 2nd Battalions are located at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo. The Ordnance Training Battalion (OTB) is located at the Regional Training Site Maintenance (RTSM) in Pearl City.
The regiment is an extension of the Training and Doctrine Command’s (TRADOC) Total Anny School System. The battalions service primarily HIARNG U.S. Anny Resesve (USAR) and active component soldiers from the Pacific region. saving valuable training dollars and time
– 2004 Annual Report pp. 9
298th Regiment-Multifunctional Training Brigade, Regional Training Institute (RTI)
The 298th Regiment is commanded by Col. Martha N. Wong. The headquarters, 1st and 2nd Battalions are located at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo. The Ordnance Training Battalion (OTB) is located at the Regional Training Site Maintenance (RTSM) in Pearl City.
The regiment is an extension of the Training and Doctrine Command’s (TRADOC) Total Army School System. The battalions service primarily HIARNG, U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and active component soldiers from the Pacific region, saving valuable training dollars and time.
– 2005 Annual Report pp. 9
298th Regional Training Institute (RTI)
The 298th Regiment is commanded by Col. Martha N. Wong. The headquarters, 1st and 2nd Battalions, are located at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo. The Ordnance Training Battalion (OTB) is located at the Regional Training Site Maintenance (RTS-M) in Pearl City.
The regiment is an extension of the Training and Doctrine Command’s (TRADOC) Total Army School System. The battalions service primarily HIARNG, U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and active component Soldiers from the Pacific region, saving valuable training dollars and time.
– 2006 Annual Report pp. 10
298th Regiment, Multi-Functional Training Brigade – Regional Training Institute
The 298th Regiment is commanded by Lt. Col. Keith Y. Tamashiro. The headquarters, 1st and 2nd Battalions, are located at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo. The Ordnance Training Battalion is located at the Regional Training Site-Maintenance in Pearl City.
The regiment is an extension of the Training and Doctrine Command’s Total Army School System. The battalions service primarily HIARNG, U.S. Army Reserve and active component Soldiers from the Pacific region, saving the Army valuable training dollars and time.
– 2007 Annual Report pp. 10
298th Regiment, MultiFunctional Training Brigade
Regional Training Institute The 298th Regiment is commanded by Col. Keith Y. Tamashiro. The headquarters, 1st and 2nd Battalions, are located at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo. The Ordnance Training Battalion is located at the Regional Training Site-Maintenance (RTS-M) in Pearl City and is commanded by Maj. Paul M. Takata. The regiment is an extension of the Training and Doctrine Command’s Total Army School System and continues to provide a multitude of NonCommissioned Officer Education System, Officer Candidate School and Maintenance related courses to Soldiers from the Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve and 25th Inf Div
– 2008 Annual Report pp. 10
298th Regiment, Multifunctional Training Unit (Regional Training Institute)
The 298th Regiment, MFTU (RTI), commanded by Col. Keith Y. Tamashiro. The Headquarters, 1st and 2nd Battalions are located at the Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo. The ordnance Training Company is located at the Regional Training Site Maintenance (RTS-M) in Pearl City and is commanded by Maj. Kukunaokala Mendonca.
The Regiment is an extension of the Training and Doctrine Command’s Army School System and continues to provide a multitude of Non-Commissioned Officer Education System, Officer Candidate School and Maintenance related courses to soldiers from the Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, 25th Infantry Division.
– 2009 Annual Report pp. 10
298th Regiment, Multifunctional Training Unit (Regional Training Institute)
The 298th Regiment, MFTU (RTI), commanded by Col. Arnold K. Iaea, is located at the Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, Hawaii. The mission of the 298th is to train today’s warriors on full spectrum operations to defend our state and win our nation’s wars. The 298th is an extension of the Training and Doctrine Command’s Army School System. The RTI is accredited by various agencies including TRADOC, the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, active duty proponent schools for the various military occupational specialties, and the U.S. Army Ordnance Center. . .
In 2010, units of the 298th Regiment were accredited by the Training and Doctrine Command, U.S. Army Sergeant Majors Academy and the U.S. Army Infantry School. The accreditation process measures all aspects of Army training as outlined in applicable Army Regulations, TRADOC Regulations, Department of Army Pamphlets, applicable Course Management Plans, and Program of Instruction manuals. The accreditation team(s) inspect on a multitude of topics ranging from test control procedures, how the institute conducts training, instructor certifications to equipment ordering, operational security measures, and risk management procedures. The RTI received its first ever accreditation rating of “Institution of Excellence.”
The 298th Regiment also hosts training events. In June 2010, the Regiment hosted the Tiger Balm training exercise with participation from the Singapore Armed Forces. Federal and State entities train from classroom activities to field training exercises at any given time at the 298th Regiment. In early 2010, the 298th Regiment welcomed the addition of a confidence/ obstacle course that was utilized when the Region G Soldier/NCO of the Year was hosted on the training facility.
In addition to military and police agencies conducting training, the Regiment also hosts the Waimanalo Community Board monthly as well as hosting various civilian clubs/groups throughout the year. During drill weekends, you will find the 298th Regiment fully engaged in activities to train and mentor our staff and cadre along with the Hawaii Army National Guard’s Recruit Sustainment Program. At any given time, during a drill weekend, we host as much as 200 plus Soldiers on ground. Numerous soldiers assigned to the Regiment have participated in Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, and NEW DAWN bringing back invaluable training and lessons learned in order to effectively train the future leaders of the Army.
– 2010 Annual Report pp. 10-11
298th Regiment, Multifunctional Training Unit (Regional Training Institute)
The 298th Regiment, MFTU (RTI), commanded by Col. Arnold K. Iaea, is located at the Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, Hawaii. The mission of the 298th is to train today’s warriors on full spectrum operations to defend our state and win our nation’s wars. The 298th is an extension of the Training and Doctrine Command’s Army School System. The RTI is accredited by various agencies including TRADOC, the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, active duty proponent schools for the various military occupational specialties, and the U.S. Army Ordnance Center. . .
In 2010, units of the 298th Regiment were accredited by the Training and Doctrine Command, U.S. Army Sergeant Majors Academy and the U.S. Army Infantry School. The accreditation process measures all aspects of Army training as outlined in applicable Army Regulations, TRADOC Regulations, Department of Army Pamphlets, applicable Course Management Plans, and Program of Instruction manuals. The accreditation team(s) inspect on a multitude of topics ranging from test control procedures, how the institute conducts training, instructor certifications to equipment ordering, operational security measures, and risk management procedures. The RTI received its first ever accreditation rating of “Institution of Excellence.”
The 298th Regiment also hosts training events. In June 2010, the Regiment hosted the Tiger Balm training exercise with participation from the Singapore Armed Forces. Federal and State entities train from classroom activities to field training exercises at any given time at the 298th Regiment. In early 2010, the 298th Regiment welcomed the addition of a confidence/ obstacle course that was utilized when the Region G Soldier/NCO of the Year was hosted on the training facility.
In addition to military and police agencies conducting training, the Regiment also hosts the Waimanalo Community Board monthly as well as hosting various civilian clubs/groups throughout the year. During drill weekends, you will find the 298th Regiment fully engaged in activities to train and mentor our staff and cadre along with the Hawaii Army National Guard’s Recruit Sustainment Program. At any given time, during a drill weekend, we host as much as 200 plus Soldiers on ground. Numerous soldiers assigned to the Regiment have participated in Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, and NEW DAWN bringing back invaluable training and lessons learned in order to effectively train the future leaders of the Army.
– 2011 Annual Report pp. 9-10
298th Regiment, Multifunctional Training Unit (Regional Training Institute)
The 298th Regiment, MFTU (RTI), commanded by Col. Suzanne P. Vares-Lum, is located at the Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, Oahu. The mission of the 298th Regiment is to train Soldiers and leaders of the U.S. Army National Guard, Active Duty and Reserve Component to the standards set forth by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). The 298th Regiment provides the resources and knowledge to train to standards and lead effectively in all circumstances, and provides specific MOS qualifying material and engagement scenarios to support the Hawaii Army National Guard and Department of Defense Unified Land Operations. The RTI is accredited by various agencies including TRADOC, the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, active duty proponent schools for the various military occupational specialties, and the U.S. Army Ordnance Center. . .
The 298th Regiment also hosts a myriad of training events. In July 2012, the Regiment hosted Excercise TIGER BALM, a bilateral training exercise with participation from the Singapore Armed Forces. Federal and state entities train from classroom activities to field training exercises at any given time at the 298th Regiment. In addition to the various military agencies conducting training, the RTI also hosts the monthly Waimanalo Community Board, as well as various civilian clubs and groups throughout the year. During drill weekends, activities at the 298th RTI include staff and cadre training and administrative tasks, as well as the conduct of foundational training delivered to new recruits by the Hawaii Army Guard’s Recruit Sustainment Program. At any given time during a drill weekend, the 298th may host over 200 Soldiers engaged in various types of training activities. Numerous Soldiers assigned to the Regiment have participated in Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, and NEW DAWN; invaluable training insights and lessons learned in the contemporary operating environment through these experiences continue to increase the effectiveness of the training that the 298th Regiment conducts for the future leaders of the Army
– 2012 Annual Report pp. 9
298th Regiment, MultiFunctional Training Unit, Regional Training Institute (RTI)
The 298th RTI is commanded by Col. Suzanne P. Vares-Lum. It is headquartered in Bellows Air Force Station, Waimanalo, Oahu. The 298th mission is to train Soldiers and leaders of the U.S. Army National Guard, Active Duty, and Reserves to the standards set forth by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command in order to provide Soldiers and leaders with the resources and knowledge to train to standards and lead effectively in all circumstances, and to provide specific Military Occupational Specialties qualifying material and engagement scenarios in support of the HIARNG’s and DOD’s unified land operations.
Nationally recognized as an Institution of Excellence 2013.
– 2013 Annual Report pp. 11
298th Regiment, MultiFunctional Training Unit, Regional Training Institute (RTI)
The 298th RTI is commanded by Col. Gary W. Littlefield. It is headquartered in Bellows Air Force Station, Waimanalo, Oahu. The 298th mission is to train Soldiers and leaders of the U.S. Army National Guard, Active Duty, and Reserves to the standards set forth by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command in order to provide Soldiers and leaders with the resources and knowledge to train to standards
and lead effectively in all circumstances, and to provide specific Military Occupational Specialties qualifying material and engagement scenarios in support of the HIARNG’s and DOD’s unified land operations.– 2014 Annual Report pp. 12
- Nationally recognized as an Institution of Excellence 2013.
298th Regiment, Multi-Functional Training Unit, Regional Training Institute (RTI)
The 298th RTI is commanded by Col. Gary W. Littlefield. It is headquartered in Bellows Air Force Station, Waimanalo, Oahu. The 298th mission is to train Soldiers and leaders of the U.S. Army National Guard, Active Duty, and Reserves to the standards set forth by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command in order to provide Soldiers and leaders with the resources and knowledge to train to standards and lead effectively in all circumstances, and to provide specific Military Occupational Specialties qualifying material and engagement scenarios in support of the HIARNG’s and DOD’s unified land operations.
– 2015 Annual Report pp. 12
298th Regiment, MultiFunctional Training Regiment
The 298th REG MFTR is commanded by Col. Mark B. Young and Command Sgt. Maj. Dana Mueller. It is headquartered in Bellows Air Force Station, Waimanalo. Its mission is to “provide a professional learning environment and quality training for the Soldiers and Leaders of the Army National Guard, United States Army Reserve and Active Component to the standards set forth by the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Centers of Excellence, producing a ready force in support of the National Guard Domestic Operations and Department of Defense (DoD) Multi-Domain Battle Operations.
– 2019 Annual Report pp. 13-14
298th Regiment, MultiFunctional Training Regiment The 298th REG MFTR is commanded by Col. Mark B. Young and Command Sgt. Maj. Tyrone Redding. It is headquartered at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimānalo. Its mission is to “provide a professional learning environment and quality training for the Soldiers and Leaders of the Army National Guard, United States Army Reserve and Active Component to the standards set forth by the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Centers of Excellence, producing a ready force in support of the National Guard Domestic Operations and Department of Defense (DoD) Multi-Domain Battle Operations.
– 2020 Annual Report pp. 15
298th, Multi-Functional Training Regiment, Regional Training Institute (298th MFTR RTI)
Commanded by Col. Ronald Hogsten and Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Biancaniello. It is headquartered in Bellows Air Force Station, Waimanalo. We are the Pacific’s premier training Institution of Excellence known for its professional staff and faculty who inspire Soldiers to become exceptional leaders, capable of adapting and operating in complex environments. The 298th MFTR RTI provides a professional learning environment and quality training for the Soldiers and leaders of the Army National Guard, United States Army Reserve and Active Component to the standards set forth by the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Centers of Excellence, producing a ready force in support of the NGCS and Department of Defense MultiDomain Operations
– 2024 Annual Report pp. 16
298th Multi-Functional Training Regiment Leadership
- FY 1997 – FY 1999 Col. James Carpenter
- FY 2000 – FY 2004 Col. John Penebacker
- FY 2005 – FY 2006 Col. Martha Wong
- FY 2007 – FY 2009 Col. Keith Tamashiro
- FY2010 – FY 2011 Col. Arnold Iaea
- FY 2012 – FY 2013 Col. Suzanne Vares-Lum
- FY 2014 – FY 2015? Col. Gary Littlefield
- FY 2019 – FY2020? Col. Mark Young
- FY 2024 – Present Col. Ronald Hogsten