About this Unit
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th Mountain Signal Battalion (HHC, 10th Mountain Signal Bn) is a key communications unit within the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), based at Fort Drum, New York. Constituted in 1988, the battalion has been responsible for providing vital signal support, including voice and data communications, to the division during both training and combat operations. HHC has deployed in support of numerous missions, including Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, and multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Throughout its history, HHC, 10th Mountain Signal Battalion has played a critical role in maintaining the division’s command and control capabilities in austere and challenging environments.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 10th Mountain Division, including its signal elements, was activated in 1943 at Camp Hale, Colorado, to train for mountain and winter warfare.
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Crucial Communications Role: The Signal Battalion, with its Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), was responsible for maintaining vital communications during the division’s combat operations in the rugged Apennine Mountains of Italy during WWII.
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Supporting the Riva Ridge Assault: Signal soldiers enabled the famous nighttime ascent and attack on Riva Ridge by providing field telephone lines and radio support under enemy fire in 1945.
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Cold Weather Innovation: The unit developed cold-weather communications techniques, including special insulated wiring and unique antenna setups, to overcome the harsh mountain conditions.
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Post-War Deactivation and Reactivation: After WWII, the division and its Signal Battalion were inactivated, but were reactivated several times, most notably at Fort Drum, New York, in 1985.
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Modernization: The HHC 10th Mountain Signal Battalion has consistently been at the forefront of adopting new communications technologies, from analog radios to digital satellite systems.
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Deployments: Members of the unit have deployed in support of numerous operations, including Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, and multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Disaster Relief: The unit has assisted in domestic disaster relief, notably after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, providing emergency communications for rescue operations.
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Division’s Nerve Center: HHC is often referred to as the “nerve center” of the 10th Mountain Division, coordinating signal support, logistics, and administrative functions for the battalion.
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Heritage and Honors: The battalion and its HHC have received multiple unit commendations and campaign streamers for their distinguished service in both combat and peacetime missions.
