The 35th Signal Brigade, known as the “Lion Brigade,” provides tactical communications and network support for XVIII Airborne Corps and rapid-deployment forces. From Vietnam through Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the brigade has been the voice and link of airborne and expeditionary units worldwide. Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 35th Signal Brigade.
Reorganized as the 35th Signal Brigade (Airborne), the unit was assigned to XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg. This alignment made it the only airborne signal brigade in the U.S. Army, capable of parachuting in to provide immediate communications for corps- and division-level headquarters.
Throughout the Cold War, the 35th Signal Brigade supported airborne operations, contingency planning, and training exercises worldwide, ensuring the 82nd Airborne Division and XVIII Airborne Corps could command and fight anywhere.
Desert Storm & 1990s Operations
The brigade deployed with XVIII Airborne Corps during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990–1991), establishing robust communication networks that enabled the coalition’s rapid maneuver across the desert. Throughout the 1990s, it supported humanitarian and peacekeeping missions in places such as Haiti and the Balkans.
Global War on Terror
Following 9/11, the 35th Signal Brigade deployed repeatedly to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Its Soldiers built and maintained secure voice and data networks across combat theaters, ensuring continuous connectivity between commanders, field units, and coalition partners. The brigade’s airborne-qualified paratroopers continued to train and deploy alongside the 82nd Airborne Division, Special Operations units, and other rapid-reaction forces.
Modern Role
Today, the 35th Signal Brigade remains under U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM), headquartered at Fort Gordon. While no longer exclusively airborne, its history as the Army’s only airborne signal brigade remains a key part of its identity. It continues to provide communications support to global contingency operations, making it one of the Army’s premier expeditionary signal units.
Identity & Legacy
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Nickname: “Lion Brigade”
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Motto: “Utmost of Our Ability”
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Distinctive Role: The Army’s only airborne signal brigade during much of its Cold War and post-Cold War service.
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Decorations: Meritorious Unit Commendations, campaign streamers from Vietnam, Southwest Asia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
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Notable Service: First-in communications during Desert Storm, critical network support during the Iraq surge, and ongoing service in Afghanistan.
Enduring Significance
The 35th Signal Brigade has been the vital communications lifeline for airborne and expeditionary forces for more than half a century. From the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, its Soldiers ensured that the Army’s commanders could command, control, and communicate under any conditions.
Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 35th Signal Brigade.