special troops battalion united_states special troops battalion united_states_army headquartered del din italy organization command elements battalion contains brigade senior command structure including communication support elements activated support units deployed afghanistan early organization subordinate permanent formation brigade command elements contained battalion consists companies brigade company company company military intelligence company company signal company companies provide services battalions companies airborne qualified history formed reorganization brigade battalion designed self contained command component brigade allowing function independently higher command battalion activated june components drawn march april coat arms distinctive unit insignia approved battalion october redesignated army unit action unit force restructuring general originally envisioned significant change ability brigade deploy forces sustain newly integrated support teams integrating support elements unit able maintain fighting forces required ground soldiers supplied moving brigade remained italy transition battalions relocate germany additional facilities constructed area resume vietnam era lineage battalions colors moved north_carolina serve immediately transformation brigade began intensive training germany italy prepare future deployments brigade notified second tour duty iraq deployment plan changed afghanistan february pentagon announced relieve 10th 4th spring deployed afghanistan task force bayonet support operation enduring freedom deployment fully transformed brigade combat team brigade dispersed east country units operating officially relieved 10th june participated operations objective ensuring security insurgents mountainous regions afghanistan border pakistan near hindu month deployment brigade participated patrols region weeks brigade return italy platoon soldiers brigade stationed district caught ambush insurgents platoon able drive insurgents air support fight resulted soldiers killed wounded deadliest attack troops country brigade base days later tour ended july entire brigade returned italy end month brigade began fourth deployment afghanistan early honors unit decorations received unit decoration united_states military campaign
Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team (United States)