221st Military Intelligence Battalion

The 221st Military Intelligence Battalion, based at the Gillem Enclave in Forest Park, Georgia, is a major battalion in the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade (United States) in the Army National Guard

221st Military Intelligence Battalion
221st Military Intelligence Battalion emblem
ActiveOctober 2007 – present
Country United States
BranchUnited States Army National Guard
TypeMilitary Intelligence Battalion
Garrison/HQGillem Enclave, Forest Park GA

Overview

The 221st Military Intelligence (MI) Battalion (BN) collects intelligence information in multiple intelligence disciplines to provide unit commanders intelligence for the battlefield and the focus of combat power. The organization also conducts intelligence production activities, ranging from intelligence preparation of the battlefield to situation development, SIGINT, HUMINT, and CI Support to Maneuver Commanders. The unit also has significant responsibilities in counterintelligence, human intelligence, force protection, and electronic warfare.

The 221st MI BN stated vision for operations includes: (1) collecting and providing relevant intelligence, security and information operations for U.S. Army, joint and combined forces; (2) leveraging national/theater/tactical equipment and capabilities of assigned personnel to provide relevant information reports to commanders at all echelons; (3) exploiting leading edge technology; and (4) meeting the challenge of today, tomorrow and the 21st Century.

Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia

Distinctive Unit Insignia[1]

Description

A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per bend Argent and Gules a chess knight Sable surmounted by a sword bendwise sinister hilt to base Or; a bordure compony Azure (Oriental Blue) and Argent. Attached below the shield is a black and silver scroll inscribed "TRUTH THROUGH EXPLOITATION" in silver.

Symbolism

The colors oriental blue and silver gray represent the Military Intelligence branch. The chess knight refers to the mission, which involves foresight and skillful planning. Its form, that of a horse, recalls the historic connection of Army Intelligence to Cavalry, which was the first organization to provide military intelligence services to the commander. The border alludes again to the chess-like strategic capabilities often important to the mission. The scarlet of the field recalls the flag of the battalion's home state, Georgia, and denotes courage. The sword indicates readiness and the will to fight. Together, scarlet, white and blue represent the United States. Black and gold signify respectively strength and excellence.

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 13 Apr 1999.

Commanders
YearsName
2000–2001LTC Iler
2001–2002LTC Maria Britt
2002–2004LTC Bierschmitt
2004–2005MAJ Peter VanAmburgh
2005–2007LTC John Rudio
2007–2008MAJ Matt Saxton
2008–2009LTC Mark Elam
2009–2012LTC Raquel Durden
2012–2013LTC Theodore R. Scott III
2014–2015LTC Anthony B. Poole
2015–2017LTC Patrick Watson
2017–2019LTC John Fuchko
2019–PresentLTC Christopher Burton[2]

Missions

The 221st MI BN has been involved in a number of missions since its inception.

KFOR 13

In April 2010, 221st MI BN mobilized and deployed 32 Soldiers as the KFOR 13 Analytical Control Element (ACE) in support of Multinational Division – East located at Camp Bondsteel.

KFOR 14

In December 2010, 221st MI BN mobilized and deployed 32 Soldiers as the KFOR 14 Analytical Control Element (ACE) in support of Multinational Division – East located at Camp Bondsteel.

KFOR 15

In August 2011, 221st MI BN mobilized and deployed Soldiers as the KFOR 15 Analytical Control Element (ACE) for a year-long deployment in support of Multinational Division – East located at Camp Bondsteel.[3]

Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom)

In January 2012, 221st MI BN mobilized and deployed the Black Knight OEF Task Force overseas to provide signal intelligence and human intelligence gathering capabilities to allied ground commanders in Afghanistan.[4]

Subordinate Units

Alpha Company

Represents the Georgia National Guard's counter-intelligence agents, interrogators and linguists. Alpha Company was among the first Georgia Army National Guard units to deploy in February 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Bravo Company

Represents the Georgia National Guard's counter-intelligence agents, interrogators and linguists. Bravo Company was among the first Georgia Army National Guard units to deploy in February 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Charlie Company

Represents the Georgia National Guard's counter-intelligence agents, interrogators and linguists. Charlie Company was among the first Georgia Army National Guard units to deploy in February 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

References
  1. The Institute of Heraldry (13 April 1999). "221 Military Intelligence Battalion". Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. Archived from the original on 2013-04-09. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  2. Carraway, Maj. William. "Black Knights of the 221st EMIB Receive New Commander". DVIDS.
  3. Maj. Will Cox (24 September 2012). "560th BfSB Guardsmen return from yearlong deployment to Kosovo". Georgia National Guard. Archived from the original on 1 March 2013. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  4. Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry (7 January 2012). "221st Military Intelligence Soldiers depart for Afghanistan". Georgia National Guard. Archived from the original on 20 February 2013. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
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