The 15th Military Intelligence Battalion was first constituted in the Regular Army under that title on 6 January 1966 and activated on 25 February 1966. Before its inactivation in April 1972, two of its Companies would take part in 15 of the 17 named campaigns of the Vietnam War, with the Battalion earning a Meritorious Unit Commendation and its B Company being awarded three additional MUCs and receiving a Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. The post-Vietnam era saw a reshuffling of the organization, with one Company disbanded and two others redesignated.
In 1985, its Headquarters and Headquarters Company were redesignated Headquarters, Headquarters and Service Company and activated at Fort Hood, which was renamed Fort Cavazos in May 2023.. This incarnation would take part in the First Gulf War and earn credit for two of the War's three campaigns, serving as the 15th Military Intelligence Battalion (Aerial Exploitation), part of the 504th Military Intelligence Brigade. In 2007, the Battalion was detached from the Brigade and became a separate unit. As of Summer 2023, the Battalion remained headquartered at Fort Cavazos.
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Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a 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.
The 15th Military Intelligence Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia features an all-seeing and continually watchful winged sphinx, an allusion to the Battalions Aerial Exploitation and Air Reconnaissance Support missions; it’s also a reference to the Latin motto VIGILANTIA AD FINEM, or “Vigilant To The End.” Above the sphinx are overlapping discs that simulate camera lenses and point to the stereoscopic photo capabilities provided by the Battalion. Beneath the sphinx are flames that denote both heat-sensory technologies as well as wisdom and zeal.