The Special Troops Battalion of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division was created through the June 2006 splitting of the Brigade’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), with the HQ forming the nucleus of the STB and the HQ Company beginning a new lineage. The HHC was originally constituted as HQ Troop, 82nd Division in 1917, and was credited with participation in three World War I campaigns.
As HQ Company, 82nd Airborne Division, the unit took part in six campaigns from Sicily to Central Europe, garnering two Arrowheads to reflect their participation in an authorized assault landing. In addition to a Presidential Unit Citation, the unit was also honored with two French Croix de Guerre with Palm, a French Croix de Guerre fourragere, a Belgian Fourragere (two citations in Orders of the Day of the Belgian Army), the Military Order of William (Degree of the Knight of the Fourth Class), and a Netherlands Orange Lanyard.
Reorganized and redesignated as the HHC of the 82nd Airborne’s 1st Brigade in 1964, the unit deployed in support of the Armed Forces Expeditions in the Dominican Republic and Panama (the latter earning it another Arrowhead) and part in two of three campaigns of the Southwest Asia (First Gulf War) conflict. Before its 2006 reorganization it deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2003), earning the first of three Meritorious Unit Commendations it would receive for its efforts in the War on Terrorism.
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Also known as a unit crest or DUI, the Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
The Distinctive Unit Insignia of the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division is emblazoned with the unit motto “STRENGTH HONOR DIVERSITY” and iconography reflecting the battalion's responsibilities, such as a key (Military Intelligence), tower (Engineers), and lightning flash (Signals).
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia."