About this Unit
Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 136th Combined Arms Battalion (Bco 2-136 CAB) is a unit of the Minnesota Army National Guard, part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division. The unit traces its lineage to earlier Minnesota infantry regiments, with a distinguished history of service both domestically and overseas. Bco 2-136 CAB has deployed in support of operations such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, providing armored and mechanized infantry capabilities. The company continues to maintain high readiness, participating in training exercises and supporting both state and federal missions.
Historical Facts
• Unit Designation: B Company, 2nd Battalion, 136th Combined Arms Battalion (Bco 2-136 CAB) is an element of the Minnesota Army National Guard, part of the 34th Infantry Division ("Red Bulls").
• Lineage: The 136th traces its roots back to the 19th-century Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, with a history stretching over 150 years of state and federal service.
• Modern Role: As a Combined Arms Battalion, Bco 2-136 CAB integrates both mechanized infantry and armor, typically operating M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and M1 Abrams tanks.
• Iraq Deployment: Bco 2-136 CAB was mobilized and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, with significant activity in 2005–2007, performing convoy security, base defense, and combat operations.
• “Red Bulls” Nickname: The 34th Infantry Division’s “Red Bull” insignia is one of the most recognizable patches in the US Army, and Bco 2-136 CAB proudly carries this legacy.
• Community Ties: Based in Moorhead, Minnesota, Bco 2-136 CAB is deeply integrated into the local community, contributing to disaster response during floods and other emergencies.
• Presidential Unit Citation: Elements of the battalion’s predecessor units earned the Presidential Unit Citation for actions in World War II, notably during the Italian Campaign.
• International Exercises: The company regularly participates in large-scale training exercises such as eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) and multinational Saber Strike events in Europe.
• Citizen-Soldiers: Like all National Guard units, Bco 2-136 CAB is composed of “citizen-soldiers” who balance civilian careers with their military commitments, bringing diverse skills to the unit.
• Modernization: The battalion, including Bco, continues to upgrade with new technologies, including advanced communications, unmanned aerial systems, and updated vehicle armor, ensuring readiness for future missions.
