31 E Bn CA

• Origins: The 31st Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Airborne) – 31 E Bn CA – traces its lineage to World War II, being originally constituted in the U.S. Army as an engineer unit in 1942. • Normandy Landings: Elements of the battalion participated in the D-Day landings, playing a key role in clearing obstacles and constructing bridges for advancing Allied forces. • Vietnam War Service: The 31st Engineer Battalion was reactivated for service in Vietnam, where it was heavily involved in constructing bases, roads, and airfields under combat conditions. • Nickname: The unit is sometimes referred to as the “Bridgers,” owing to its expertise in building and maintaining vital bridge crossings in combat zones. • Airborne Qualification: The “CA” in its designation stands for “Combat Airborne,” highlighting its paratrooper capabilities and readiness to deploy by air. • Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat roles, the battalion has frequently been called upon for disaster relief and humanitarian missions, showcasing its versatility. • Unit Motto: The battalion’s motto, “We Build the Way,” reflects its essential role in enabling the movement and support of friendly forces. • Gulf War Deployments: Elements of the 31 E Bn CA supported operations during the Gulf War, constructing rapid-deployment infrastructure in harsh desert environments. • Decorations: The unit has been awarded numerous commendations for its service, including unit citations for outstanding performance under fire. • Modern Operations: Today, the 31st Engineer Battalion continues to serve as a vital support and combat engineering unit, adapting to new technologies and missions in the 21st century.