About this Unit
The 35th Signal Brigade, originally activated in 1943 as the 931st Signal Battalion, is a prominent communications unit in the United States Army. Renamed and reactivated multiple times, the brigade provided critical signal support during major operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Known as "The Lion Brigade," it specializes in rapidly deploying and establishing secure communications networks for command and control. Stationed at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), North Carolina, the 35th Signal Brigade continues to play a vital role in enabling modern battlefield communications for joint and combined operations.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 35th Signal Brigade dates its lineage to the 931st Signal Battalion, activated in France in 1944 to support Allied communications during World War II.
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Nickname "The Lion Brigade": The brigade is known as "The Lion Brigade," symbolizing strength, courage, and readiness—qualities reflected in its unit insignia featuring a lion’s head.
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First in the Fight: The 35th Signal Brigade was the first tactical signal brigade to deploy to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield in 1990, providing critical communications for coalition forces.
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Airborne Capability: The brigade is unique in being an airborne unit, with its headquarters once stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, home of the 82nd Airborne Division.
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Global Deployments: Over its history, the 35th Signal Brigade has deployed to over 30 countries, supporting operations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: In 2003, the brigade played a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining robust communications networks for U.S. and coalition forces during the initial invasion of Iraq.
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First Digital Brigade: The 35th Signal Brigade was among the first to field and operate advanced digital communications equipment, transitioning from analog systems to state-of-the-art digital networks in the 1990s.
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Disaster Relief Support: The brigade has assisted in domestic disaster relief, including hurricane response in the United States, by providing emergency communications for civilian and military agencies.
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Transformation and Modernization: The 35th Signal Brigade has continually transformed to support modern network-centric warfare, adopting satellite, cyber, and secure mobile communications technologies.
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Distinguished Unit Awards: The brigade and its subordinate units have earned multiple Meritorious Unit Commendations and Army Superior Unit Awards for outstanding service in both combat and peacetime operations.