The Moatengators

Introduction
The Moatengators were a unique airborne infantry contingent of the U.S. Army stationed in Panama from the late 1970s through 1999. The nickname referred primarily to A Company of the infantry battalion at Fort Kobbe that maintained jump status when other units in Panama were not airborne-qualified. The Moatengators lineage spans several unit designations – from the 3rd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, through reflagging as the 3rd Battalion, 5th Infantry in the 1970s, to later transitions in the 1980s as elements of the 187th Infantry and finally the 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry by the late 1980s. Throughout these changes, the Moatengators remained the only paratroopers permanently based in the Panama Canal Zone and played a key role in U.S. military presence in Panama, including participation in Operation Just Cause.

Origins in the 1970s
In 1968, the airborne 3rd Battalion, 508th Infantry was reflagged as the 3rd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment. While most of the battalion operated as standard light infantry, A Company retained jump status and became known as the Moatengators. Stationed at Fort Kobbe, the unit trained heavily in jungle warfare and airborne operations. Their training was especially challenging due to environmental factors such as drop zones near ocean waters infested with sharks and dense jungle terrain.

The nickname "Moatengators" came from the unit’s tradition of keeping live alligator mascots in a pit outside their barracks. This distinctive mascot, combined with the company’s elite airborne status, forged a unique identity. The paratroopers even conducted training jumps with live caimans strapped beneath reserve parachutes as a symbol of their audacity. The unit’s culture emphasized aggressive training, jungle expertise, and a proud, tight-knit esprit de corps.

Transition to the 187th Infantry (1983–1987)
In October 1983, the 3rd Battalion, 5th Infantry was reflagged as the 2nd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, inheriting the airborne lineage of the 101st Airborne Division's "Rakkasans." Initially, only A Company retained jump status, but soon airborne qualification expanded to the entire battalion. This change brought in experienced paratroopers from stateside units like the 82nd Airborne, integrating with the existing Moatengator core.

Though the battalion had grown, the culture and traditions of the Moatengators lived on, especially within A Company. Training remained focused on jungle warfare and regional security, with frequent joint operations and exchanges with Central and South American militaries. Moatengators often earned foreign jump wings and became known as airborne ambassadors of U.S. Southern Command.

Conversion to 1/508th Infantry and Operation Just Cause (1987–1990)
In 1987, the Army inactivated the 2nd Battalion, 187th Infantry and reflagged the unit as the 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry (Airborne), restoring the historic "Red Devils" lineage to Panama. A Company continued to be known as the Moatengators, but now the entire battalion was airborne. They remained stationed at Fort Kobbe as part of the 193rd Infantry Brigade.

In December 1989, the Moatengators took part in Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama to depose Manuel Noriega. A and B Companies of 1/508th were tasked with seizing Fort Amador. The Moatengators executed their mission successfully, showcasing their combat readiness, jungle expertise, and familiarity with the terrain. The rest of the battalion secured other objectives in Panama City and surrounding areas.

Post-Invasion Operations and Drawdown (1990–1994)
Following Operation Just Cause, 1/508th remained in Panama to support stability operations and reconstruction. However, the Panama Canal Treaty dictated the full withdrawal of U.S. military forces by the end of 1999. In 1994, the 193rd Infantry Brigade was inactivated, and with it, the 1/508th Infantry was also deactivated. This marked the end of the Moatengators' official presence in Panama.

Legacy
The Moatengators are remembered for their unique combination of airborne excellence and jungle warfare expertise. From their daring training with live caimans to their elite status as the only airborne unit in Panama for much of their history, they left a lasting legacy. Veterans of the unit continue to gather at reunions and maintain the spirit of the Moatengators through oral histories, memorabilia, and commemorative events.

References

• Red Devils of Panama veterans website

• U.S. Army Center of Military History publications on the 193rd Infantry Brigade

• Operation Just Cause official after-action reports

• Personal blogs and interviews from former Moatengators

• Defense Media Network interview with Lt. Gen. John Mulholland

• Historical articles and veteran testimonies from Graphic Firing Table and Valor Guardians blogs

• U.S. Army historical summaries and official Panama drawdown documentation