History of the 298th Multi-Functional Training Regiment

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.

• Nationally recognized as an Institution of Excellence 2013.

– 2014 Annual Report pp. 12

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, Regional Training Institute (298th MFTR RTI)

The 298th MFTR RTI, led by Col. Doreen Uehara and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Kaaiakamanu, conducts highquality training and leader development for all Army components. The regiment’s operations adhere to the rigorous standards established by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and its Centers of Excellence. This mission ensures personnel are prepared for effective performance and leadership, directly supporting the HIARNG and Department of Defense objectives for large-scale combat operations through fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

• ARPRINT Mission Completion: Successfully completed 15 Army Reserve Personnel Integration Network (ARPRINT) missions, encompassing CMF 91/94 Senior Leader Course, Basic Leader Course, Officer Candidate School, Warrant Officer Candidate School, and 11B Advanced Leader Course iterations.
• Accreditation Received: Earned accreditation from the Army School System following a successful evaluation in April 2025, reaffirming the regiment’s commitment to quality training standards.
• Engagement & Support: Actively supported numerous engagement events, including the 25th Infantry Division Leaders Training Program, the Joint Commander’s Conference and a variety of community outreach activities

– 2025 Annual Report pp. 29

298th Multi-Functional Training Regiment Leadership