The 407th Forward Support Battalion (Airborne) provided vital logistics, maintenance, and supply support to the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team. From its airborne role at Fort Bragg to deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, the 407th FSB kept paratroopers mission-ready until its reorganization as part of Army modular force restructuring. Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 407th Forward Support Battalion.
The 407th Forward Support Battalion (FSB) traces its lineage to World War II support units, later consolidated into the 82nd Airborne Division. Stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the 407th was assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (2nd BCT), 82nd Airborne Division, where it provided the critical sustainment backbone for airborne operations.
As an airborne-qualified support battalion, the 407th trained to parachute or air-land with brigade elements, ensuring that paratroopers in the field had immediate access to fuel, ammunition, rations, vehicle recovery, and medical support.
Operations & Deployments
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Cold War Contingency Missions: The 407th maintained global rapid-deployment readiness as part of the 82nd Airborne Division, prepared to support combat jumps and short-notice deployments.
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Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada, 1983): Provided logistical support to the 82nd Airborne during the combat jump and follow-on missions.
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Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989): Supported 2nd BCT during the airborne assault and subsequent operations in Panama City and the Canal Zone.
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Operation Desert Storm (1991): Elements of the 407th deployed with the 82nd to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, sustaining the brigade’s role in defending against Iraqi forces.
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Global War on Terror: The 407th Forward Support Battalion deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, where it sustained paratrooper brigades with fuel, ammo, and critical maintenance. The battalion’s support was essential to extended counterinsurgency operations.
Reorganization & Transition
As part of the Army’s modular brigade combat team restructuring in the mid-2000s, the 407th FSB was reorganized and redesignated as the 407th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB). This change shifted the unit’s structure while keeping it aligned with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. The battalion remains active today in this capacity, continuing the sustainment mission.
Identity & Legacy
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Branch/Role: Logistics / Support – Airborne Qualified
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Parent Formation: 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division
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Motto: “Supply is Strength” (traditional sustainment ethos often associated with airborne support units)
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Unique Distinction: One of the Army’s few airborne sustainment battalions, trained to jump into combat zones alongside infantry brigades.
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Decorations: Campaign streamers and unit commendations spanning Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Enduring Significance
The 407th Forward Support Battalion proved that paratroopers rely not only on combat arms but also on the vital sustainment Soldiers who keep the division supplied and ready to fight. Its reorganization as the 407th BSB ensures that its proud airborne sustainment tradition continues into the modern era.
Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 407th Forward Support Battalion.