193rd Infantry Brigade (United States)

193rd Infantry Brigade (United States)
U.S. Army · Public domain · source
Unit name	193rd Infantry Brigade
Dates	1921–1945; 1962–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Size	Brigade
Garrison	Fort Jackson, South Carolina
Nickname	"The Guardians"
Motto	"Will Do"
Battles	World War II, Operation Just Cause, War on Terror
Decorations	Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation

193rd Infantry Brigade (United States) is a United States Army Infantry brigade with a long history of service. Initially constituted in the Organized Reserves after World War I, it was activated for World War II and saw combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Reactivated during the Cold War, the brigade became a key strategic asset, most notably during the invasion of Panama in 1989. Today, it serves as a training formation at Fort Jackson.

History

The brigade was originally constituted in 1921 as part of the 96th Division within the Organized Reserves. It was ordered into active military service on 15 August 1942 at Camp Adair in Oregon, training for deployment to the Pacific War. During World War II, the 193rd fought in the New Guinea campaign and the Philippines campaign (1944–1945), participating in the Battle of Leyte and subsequent operations on Luzon. After the Surrender of Japan, the brigade moved to Japan for occupation duty before inactivating in 1945. The unit was reactivated in 1962 at Fort Kobbe in the Panama Canal Zone, where it became a permanent forward-deployed separate brigade under United States Army South. Its most significant combat action came during Operation Just Cause, where it spearheaded assaults on key objectives like Fort Amador and Panama City to depose Manuel Noriega. Following the invasion and the subsequent transfer of the Panama Canal, the brigade relocated to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in 1994, transitioning to a training mission.

Organization

As a historic separate brigade, the 193rd was a self-contained, independent maneuver unit. During its tenure in Panama, its structure typically included two Infantry battalions (like the 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment), a Field artillery battalion, a Cavalry squadron, and supporting Engineer, Military intelligence, and Signal companies. This organization allowed it to operate autonomously in the Central American theater. After moving to Fort Jackson, its mission shifted entirely to training. It now oversees several training battalions responsible for conducting Basic Combat Training for new Army recruits, a role it continues today.

Commanders

Commanders of the 193rd Infantry Brigade have included notable officers such as Brigadier General William C. Garrison, who led the brigade during the pivotal Operation Just Cause. Other commanders have included leaders who served during its World War II campaigns in the South West Pacific Area and throughout its extended garrison period in the Panama Canal Zone. The brigade's command position has often been a stepping stone for officers who later attained higher ranks within the United States Army.

Campaign participation credit

The brigade has earned campaign participation credit for several major conflicts. In World War II, this includes the New Guinea campaign, the Leyte campaign, and the Luzon campaign. For its direct combat role in 1989, it received credit for the Panama campaign. During the War on Terror, elements of the brigade have supported training missions that contributed to broader campaign credit, though the brigade itself did not deploy as a whole formation to Iraq or Afghanistan.

Distinctive unit insignia

The distinctive unit insignia of the 193rd Infantry Brigade features a blue shield with a gold canal and a caiman, symbolizing its long service in the Panama Canal Zone. The motto "Will Do" is displayed on a scroll at the base. The design incorporates elements from the Panamanian coat of arms and the Canal Zone, reflecting the brigade's deep historical ties to that region and its role as a guardian of the vital waterway during the Cold War.

Current status

The 193rd Infantry Brigade is currently active as a training brigade stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. It falls under the command of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). Its primary mission is to conduct Basic Combat Training, transforming civilians into disciplined soldiers prepared for advanced individual training. While no longer a deployable combat unit, it maintains its lineage and honors, serving a critical role in sustaining the manpower of the United States Army.

Category:Infantry brigades of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1921