Activated in 2000 from inactivating support units, the Special Troops Battalion deployed with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team to Afghanistan in 2007 until 2008 and again in early 2010.

Reorganized as the 20th Engineer Regiment in 1918, it deployed to France during World War 1 as part of the American Expeditionary Forces, performing tasks from mine emplacement to bridge installation.

After deactivation in 1919, and reactivation in 1940, the 20th Engineers deployed as part of WWII's Western Task Force, responsible for assault landings on beachheads from Africa to France, clearing docks and minefields and running rations houses.

During the D-Day invasion of Normandy, the 1340th Engineers constructed Bailey bridges, breached obstacles under fire, and experienced high casualties being committed as infantry.

Forces marched across Germany, the 1340th Engineers paved the way, building bridges, installing obstacles, and repairing roads.

[7][8] In 1986, the unit became the first Mechanized Combat Engineer Battalion, and in 1991, the 54th supported the 1st Armored Division during Operation Desert Storm.

As the ground war commenced, the 54th provided mobility support, reducing bunkers and marking the route into Iraq.

As the war raged on, the 54th conducted countless extensive denial missions in Kuwait and Iraq, and constructed redeployment areas in Saudi Arabia.

Maneuver commanders insisted on having “Dagger” at the front, as they cleared over 200,000 km of roads, detected thousands of IEDs, and constructed miles of barriers.

[4][13] This was a significant change as it signified the ability for the brigade to deploy its forces and sustain itself with its newly integrated support teams.

By integrating these support elements, the unit became able to maintain its fighting forces with all that is required to keep the ground soldiers supplied and moving.

[12] Immediately after its transformation, the brigade began intensive training in both Germany and Italy to prepare itself for future deployments.

[18] Though the platoon was able to drive the insurgents back with air support, the fight resulted in 9 soldiers killed and 16 wounded; the deadliest attack on troops in the country since 2005.

TF Raptor established a secure environment for Afghans to conduct a free, transparent and fair general election.