82nd Airborne Infantry Division Special Troop Battalion Patch STB-31

Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Patch – 3.50" x 3.00" Embroidered Patch with Sew-On Backing

Superior Materials: Made with premium polyester thread and durable twill fabric, ensuring long-lasting color and strength.
Advanced Embroidery Technology: Crafted using the most advanced embroidery machinery, guaranteeing intricate detail, sharp lines, and consistent quality every time.
Sew-On Application: Traditional stitch-on backing provides a secure hold to any uniform, jacket, or tactical gear.
Durable and Washable: Built to endure heavy use and repeated washing without fading or fraying.

Formations & Origins
The Special Troops Battalion (STB) of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division was activated as part of the Army’s major modular force restructuring in the mid-2000s. While the 2nd BCT boasts a lineage stretching back to World War I and distinguished combat in every major American conflict since, the STB was created to consolidate the brigade's support elements—such as signal, intelligence, engineer, and military police functions—into a single deployable unit. The fleur-de-lis nods to the division’s storied service in France, while the parachute and lightning bolts symbolize airborne capability and fast, coordinated communication in combat.

Notable Commanders
The STB, though often operating in the background, has been commanded by officers with both technical precision and combat leadership acumen. These leaders ensure the seamless functioning of logistics and battlefield communications, often under pressure in complex operational environments.

Major Campaigns/Operations
Since its activation, the STB has supported the 2nd BCT across numerous high-stakes missions, including:

• Operation Iraqi Freedom

• Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan)

• Joint multinational exercises across NATO and partner nations
  The battalion is among the first to deploy when the 82nd is called upon for rapid response—whether for combat, humanitarian aid, or disaster relief.

Specialized Role/Equipment
The STB integrates multiple specialty units:

• Signal Company – establishes and maintains secure battlefield communications

• Engineer Company – constructs fortifications, clears routes, and manages infrastructure

• Military Intelligence – delivers real-time intelligence for operational planning

• Military Police Platoon – ensures internal security and prisoner handling
  Together, these units ensure the brigade can deploy rapidly and operate autonomously.

Acts of Heroism
While many of the STB’s efforts go unpublicized due to their behind-the-scenes nature, its soldiers have earned commendations for courage under fire during convoy operations and sustainment missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Their presence in forward operating bases, often under direct threat, demonstrates the "Courage" and "Commitment" embodied in their motto.

Legacy & Notable Achievements
The Special Troops Battalion has become an indispensable part of the 2nd Brigade’s ability to deploy, survive, and win. It represents the technical backbone and operational glue that holds airborne combat missions together. Whether jumping into contested zones or sustaining long-term presence in austere conditions, the STB’s impact is felt long after the first boots hit the ground. This patch honors the silent professionals who turn chaos into coordinated success.