History

 

The 229th Military Intelligence Battalion was originally constituted in the Regular Army as the 29th Military Intelligence Battalion in Panama on 1 April 1985. The battalion was subordinate to the 193rd Infantry Brigade, whose primary role was the defense of the Panama Canal. SIGINT, HUMINT and ground surveillance assets comprised the battalion. In June 1986, the battalion was placed in a reinforcing role to the 470th Military Intelligence Group, INSCOM, strengthening the overall management of Army Intelligence assets in the theater.

 

The battalion distinguished itself during Operation Just Cause in 1988-89, earning the Army Superior Unit Award for exceptionally meritorious performance of duty while in support of the United States Army South, the United States Southern Command, and the Joint Task Force-Panama. During the campaign, the unit consistently provided timely and accurate intelligence required to formulate and implement contingency plans, policies and operations critical to national security and United States interests in the highly volatile Latin American region.

 

On 16 October 1990, the battalion was re-affiliated with the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade, INSCOM. The unit inactivated in Panama on 17 October 1991. The 29th Military Intelligence Battalion (CEWI) was re-designated as the 229th Military Intelligence Battalion on 7 December 1995. On 15 March 1996, the 229th Military Intelligence Battalion assumed its mission from Troop Command, DLIFLC & POM.