On 30 September 1978 the unit was organized and federally recognized in the AZ ARNG in Phoenix as Detachment 1, Company D, 149th Aviation Battalion, an element of the 49th Armored Division.

On 1 May 1982 it was designated as Company D, 149th Aviation Battalion and relocated to Marana, Arizona.

In October 1986 the unit was released from the 49th Armored Division and redesignated as the 551st Aviation Battalion.

On 1 October 2005 the unit was redesignated as the 1st Battalion (Attack Reconnaissance), 285th Aviation Regiment and on 1 May 2006 it was mobilized to conduct the AH-64D Unit Fielding Training Plan and deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VIII.

In April 2012 and August 2013 the unit deployed its Companies A and B in support of Operation Enduring Freedom XII and XIII.