History of the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion

The 4th BSTB is composed of four companies: Headquarters and Headquarters Company 4th Brigade Combat Team (HHC BCT), Headquarters and Headquarters Company 4th BSTB (HHC STB), Alpha Company (Military Intelligence), and Bravo Company (Signal). The BSTB provides the BCT with intelligence; communications and force protection assets; command, control, and supervision of the tactical operations of the BSTB and attached units; and secures all BCT command posts and plans. It prepares and executes security operations within the BCT logistic and administrative support areas, with assets provided by the BCT Commander, to defeat level I and II enemy threats.

Deploying to Iraq the battalion supported the missions of the 4th BCT in Iraq from 2006 to 2007.  During the deployment in Iraq the battalion provided command and control for the BCT during the conduct of operations by employing its two task organized command posts.

Returning to Fort Bliss in 2007 the battalion inactivated and was reflagged the 4th STB of the 1st Armored Division on 4 March, 2008.  The battalion will be activated in a ceremony on Cooper Field at Fort Hood, Texas on 7 March 2008.

The 4th Special Troop Battalion forms the backbone of the 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division. It provides the Brigade Combat Team with its organic Signal, Military Intelligence, and Military Police capabilities and is currently preparing to deploy to Iraq.

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description:   A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned as follows:  “Azure (Teal Blue) from dexter chief a lightning flash bendwise Tenné fimbriated Or and a key saltirewise, wards up Azure (Oriental Blue) fimbriated of the third, the bow charged with a mullet of the like; a base crenellated Gules fimbriated Or, overall an antique sword point to base palewise of the last, hilt Vert.”  Attached below the device a Teal Blue motto scroll inscribed “VIGILANT AND ALWAYS READY” in Gold letters.

Symbolism:   The lightning flash refers to Signal Corps participation and network systems support to the brigade.  The key denotes intelligence and surveillance capabilities provided by the Military Intelligence Corps; the green of the sword handle signifies the combat and security capabilities of the Military Police Corps; the gold mullet charged on its bow signifies excellence and the teamwork achieved from the cooperation of all participants in carrying out mission requirements.  The color teal symbolizes troop diversity within the unit, scarlet indicates courage and sacrifice.  The crenellated base of the shield denotes the security afforded by the Special Troops Battalion and the ability to take action from a position of strength.

Background:   The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 25 October 2005.

Coat of Arms

Blazon 

Shield:   Azure (Teal Blue), from dexter chief a lightning flash bendwise Tenné fimbriated Or and a key saltirewise, wards up Azure (Oriental Blue) fimbriated of the third, the bow charged with a mullet of the like; a base crenellated Gules fimbriated Or, overall an antique sword point to base palewise of the last, hilt Vert.  

Crest:   None.  

Motto:   VIGILANT AND ALWAYS READY.

        Symbolism

Shield:   The lightning flash refers to Signal Corps participation and network systems support to the brigade.  The key denotes intelligence and surveillance capabilities provided by the Military Intelligence Corps; the green of the sword handle signifies combat and security capabilities of the Military Police Corps; the gold mullet charged on its bow signifies excellence and the teamwork achieved from the cooperation of all participants in carrying out mission requirements.  The color teal symbolizes troop diversity within the unit, scarlet indicates courage and sacrifice.  The crenellated base of the shield denotes the security afforded by the Special Troops Battalion and the ability to take action from a position of strength.  

Crest:   None  

Background:   The coat of arms was approved on 25 October 2005.