ABOUT 2:36 Infantry
- Origins in World War I: The 2nd Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment (2/36 Infantry) traces its lineage back to the original 36th Infantry Regiment, which was constituted in 1917 and served in World War I.
- World War II Service: During World War II, the 36th Infantry Regiment was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division, participating in key campaigns across Europe, including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
- Battle of the Bulge: The regiment played a significant role in the Battle of the Bulge, helping to repel the German offensive in the winter of 1944-1945.
- Cold War Presence: Post-World War II, the 2/36 Infantry was stationed in West Germany as part of the United States' commitment to NATO, serving as a deterrent during the Cold War.
- Gulf War Deployment: Elements of the 36th Infantry were deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, contributing to the liberation of Kuwait.
- Transformation and Reflagging: The 2/36 Infantry has undergone several reflagging and restructuring changes, most notably being inactivated and reactivated multiple times as the Army transformed its combat units.
- Service in Iraq and Afghanistan: In the 21st century, 2/36 Infantry has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, playing a critical role in operations such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
- Nickname "Spartans": The battalion is nicknamed the "Spartans," reflecting their fighting spirit and discipline.
- Current Assignment: As of the 2020s, 2/36 Infantry is assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas.
- Decorations and Honors: The unit has received numerous decorations, including Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and campaign streamers for its distinguished service in multiple conflicts.