About this Unit
The 104th Long Range Surveillance Detachment (LRSD) was a specialized reconnaissance unit within the U.S. Army National Guard. Originally established during the Cold War era, its primary mission was to conduct deep reconnaissance and surveillance operations behind enemy lines, providing critical intelligence to higher headquarters. The unit was trained in advanced patrolling, stealth infiltration, and intelligence gathering, often operating in small, highly skilled teams. The 104th LRSD supported both national defense missions and overseas deployments before being inactivated or restructured as the Army shifted towards new surveillance technologies and force structures in the early 21st century.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 104th Long Range Surveillance Detachment (LRSD) was part of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, originating as a specialized reconnaissance unit tasked with deep reconnaissance and intelligence gathering behind enemy lines.
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Airborne Qualification: Members of the 104th LRSD were Airborne qualified, meaning they were trained in military parachuting, enabling them to insert into remote or hostile areas for surveillance missions.
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Cold War Role: During the Cold War, the 104th LRSD’s primary mission would have been to deploy behind enemy lines in Europe, providing real-time intelligence on enemy movements to higher command.
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Distinctive Insignia: The unit was authorized to wear a unique LRSD patch and often wore the maroon beret, signifying their Airborne status.
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Selection and Training: The selection process for the 104th LRSD was rigorous, including advanced land navigation, survival, escape and evasion, and communications training.
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Integration with Regular Army: As part of the National Guard, the 104th LRSD frequently trained alongside active duty Long Range Surveillance units and Special Forces, fostering interoperability.
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Deployments: Members of the 104th LRSD participated in various training exercises and operational deployments, including overseas rotations and support to domestic operations.
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Disbandment: The LRSD concept was phased out after 2016, as the U.S. Army restructured its reconnaissance assets, and the 104th LRSD was deactivated along with other similar units.
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Legacy: Veterans of the 104th LRSD have gone on to serve in elite units such as Army Special Forces and Ranger Regiment, carrying forward the unit’s skills and ethos.
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Commemoration: The 104th LRSD is remembered by former members and military historians for its specialized skills, tight-knit esprit de corps, and unique contributions to reconnaissance doctrine within the National Guard.
