Dubbed “Gryphon” in reference to the mythical creature found on its Distinctive Unit Insignia (sometimes called a DUI or unit crest), Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry division was formed from the HQ Company of the 4th Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division on 16 December 2004; the 4th Brigade’s HQ were used to form the HQ of the 4th Brigade Combat Team.
Also called a griffin, the gryphon on the DUI of 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division is clutching a lightning bolt (symbolizing Signal Corps capabilities) and a dagger (Infantry); griffins are also a common icon on the heraldry of Military Intelligence units which are included in the composition of Special Troops Battalions. The scarlet color of the key and dagger stands for Engineer elements within the Battalion.
For its support of Operation Iraqi Freedom between December 2005 and November 2006, the Battalion was honored with a Meritorious Unit Commendation issued in 2009, with a second one being awarded for the Battalion’s 2009 – 2010 tour in Afghanistan, proving the Battalion was aas “Strong And True” as its motto proclaimed. Its third Meritorious Unit Commendation was for what would be its final deployment, between April and November 2014 in Afghanistan.
On 16 April 2015, the 4th BCT, 4th Infantry Division was reflagged as the Division’s 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat team and its Special Troops Battalion was inactivated, to be replaced by a Brigade Engineer Battalion.
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The Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.