History of the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion

The 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion (BSTB), organic to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) of the 1st Cavalry Division, was constituted on the 14th of July 2005.  The battalion’s activation was a part of the Army-wide transition to “modular” divisions.  The battalion consists of a Military Intelligence Company, Signal Company and Military Police Platoon, all of which support the Brigade’s mission.

Although the 3rd Special Troops Battalion has no history predating 14 July 2005, it draws on the historic linage of four units.  The 8th Engineer Battalion slowly dissolved as the 3rd BSTB was constituted.  As Engineer Companies detached to join their new maneuver battalions, a Signal Company from the 13th Signal Battalion, a Military Intelligence Company from the 312th Military Intelligence Battalion, and a Military Police platoon from the 545th Military Police Company came together with HHC, 8th Engineer Battalion to form the 3rd BSTB.

The 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion has a total of 56 different military occupational specialties and equipment ranging from Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles making it a truly unique or “Special” Battalion.  The 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion is an invaluable asset to the 3rd GreyWolf brigade and the 1st Cavalry Division.

Deploying with the 3rd BCT to Iraq in 2006 the battalion provided key support to the BCT in the Diyala Province of Iraq returning to Fort Hood in 2007.

Conducting training in preparation for deployment to Iraq for the second time as a unit and reconnecting with families at home covered the next year for the battalion. 

The 3BSTB deployed along with the rest of the GreyWolf Brigade to the Nenewa Province of Iraq for their final deployment for Operation Iraqi Freedom in December 2008.  The battalion assisted the brigade in conducting full-spectrum operations to neutralize AQI and Irreconcilable Elements to improve security, stimulate economic growth and create enduring stability.

The 3BSTB returned to Fort Hood in December of 2009 and reintegrated with their families and the local community.  The battalion conducted numerous training missions to prepare for future deployments.

As always, the Troopers of the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion remain trained and ready to meet the operational needs of the GreyWolf Brigade and the 1st Cavalry Division.

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description:   A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall blazoned as follows:  Or, on a chevron enhanced Vert, three horseshoes reversed of the first; issuant from base a demi-griffin segreant Sable, langued, eyed and armed Gules supporting between the claws a key in pale ward up Or emitting two lightning flashes bend sinisterwise of the fourth.  Attached below a Red motto scroll inscribed “STEADFAST AND VIGILANT” in Gold.

Symbolism:   The chevron is the heraldic symbol for support.  The three horseshoes denote the brigade’s numeric designation.  The combination of the chevron and horseshoes reflect the increased support capability to the brigade.  The griffin, a mythical creature, part eagle and part lion, represents the unit’s support, reconnaissance and security abilities that comprise the unit.  The key signifies security and intelligence identified with the Military Intelligence capabilities of the battalion.  The lightning flashes represent the electronic transmission that is characteristic of the Signal element.

Background:   The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 11 August 2005.

Coat of Arms

Blazon 

Shield:   Or, on a chevron enhanced Vert, three horseshoes reversed of the first; issuant from base a demi-griffin segreant Sable, langued, eyed and armed Gules supporting between the claws a key in pale ward up Or emitting two lightning flashes bend sinisterwise of the fourth.

Crest:   None.

Motto:   STEADFAST AND VIGILANT.

Symbolism:

Shield:   The chevron is the heraldic symbol for support.  The three horseshoes denote the brigade’s numeric designation.  The combination of the chevron and horseshoes reflect the increased support capability to the brigade.  The griffin, a mythical creature, part eagle and part lion, represents the unit’s support, reconnaissance and security abilities that comprise the unit.  The key signifies security and intelligence identified with the Military Intelligence capabilities of the battalion.  The lightning flashes represent the electronic transmission that is characteristic of the Signal element.

Crest:   None.

Background:   The coat of arms was approved on 11 August 2005.