ABOUT 36th Engineer Battalion
- Origins in World War I: The 36th Engineer Battalion traces its lineage back to the 36th Engineer Regiment, which was constituted in 1917 during World War I.
- Normandy Landing: Elements of the battalion participated in the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach, helping to clear obstacles and establish beachheads for the Allied advance.
- Redesignation: The unit has undergone several redesignations, including becoming the 36th Engineer Combat Regiment and later the 36th Engineer Battalion.
- Vietnam War Service: The battalion played a critical role in constructing bases, roads, and airfields in Vietnam, earning several campaign streamers and unit commendations.
- Distinctive Insignia: The battalion’s insignia features a red and white shield with a castle, symbolizing the unit’s engineering mission and its roots in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- Operation Iraqi Freedom: The 36th Engineer Battalion deployed multiple times to Iraq, providing route clearance, construction, and combat engineering support.
- Operation Enduring Freedom: The battalion also deployed to Afghanistan, building critical infrastructure and supporting counter-IED operations.
- “Rugged!” Motto: The battalion’s motto is “Rugged!”, reflecting its reputation for tenacity and resilience in challenging environments.
- Decorations: The 36th Engineer Battalion has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation for its valor and outstanding performance.
- Modern Mission: Stationed at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Texas, the 36th Engineer Battalion continues to support global operations, disaster response, and combat engineering missions.