The Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division was created through the reorganization and redesignation of Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division on 16 September 2004. Under that and previous designations, the unit had earned credit for participation in two World War II campaigns and a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its first deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In addition to the 1st BCT’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, the battalion also comprised Military Intelligence, Combat Engineer, and Signal Companies, as well as a Military Police platoon. Because all these formations worked to provides services and support for the brigade’s other battalions, they were all qualified for mountain warfare.
Known as the “Iroquois” battalion, the unit was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan on a fairly regular basis and its superior performance was recognized with four Meritorious Unit Commendations for it or its component units for tours in 2005–2006, 2007–2008, 2010–2011, and January to October in 2013.
As part of the Army’s decision to replace its Special Troops Battalions with more robust Brigade Engineer Battalions, the 1st STB, 1st BCT, battalion began training with the 7th Brigade Engineer Battalion in September 2014 ahead of the 2015 consolidation of the two units.
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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.
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In addition to its “Iroquois” nickname, the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division Distinctive Unit insignia (also known as a DUI or unit crest) features an ice axe and stylized mountain peaks in honor of its origins as a Mountain Training Center and service as a 10th Mountain Division during World War II.
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e),
"Beret" and
"Garrison Cap," respectively.