The 1-161 FA has its roots as the 2nd Infantry Regiment of the Kansas Volunteer Militia, which was organized from existing units in 1880.

The regiment was mustered into federal service in June 1916 for duty guarding the Mexican border while Regular Army units pursued revolutionary leader Francisco "Pancho" Villa.

For at least one year, in 1939, the regiment trained 37 battery-grade Organized Reserve field artillery officers of the 89th Division at Fort Riley.

On 23 December 1940 the regiment was inducted into federal service and arrived at Camp Joseph T. Robinson, near Little Rock, Arkansas, on 4 January 1941.

Members of Bravo Battery, which was based out of Pratt, were deployed in 2005 to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The battalion deployed with full strength, augmented with both Battery E, 1161st FSC, and the 35th Military Police Company.

The task force facilitated humanitarian relief to citizens of New Orleans, provided critical infrastructure security, and route clearance throughout western Louisiana.

The battalion, with over 280 soldiers and 25 airmen, operated three points of distribution for food, water, ice, and tarps.

The battalion conducted sweeps and utility isolations in the worst devastated town of Grand Isle.