The 227^th Brigade Engineer Battalion (227^th BEB) was organized on February 14, 2014, in the 29^th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (29^th IBCT), Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG). The 227^th Brigade Engineer Battalion transformed from the 29^th Brigade Special Troops Battalion (29^th BSTB) as part of the Army’s transition to modularity while increasing the engineer capabilities across all brigade combat teams. 

The 227^th Brigade Engineer Battalion consists of five companies:

Co A (EN), 227^th BEB activated into federal service on February 14, 2014, reorganized from the former Co A 29th BSTB, and previous to that, the 227^th Engineer Company. The 227^th Engineer Company served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2005-2006. The company traces its lineage back to April 17, 1947, when the 227^th Engineer Battalion, Hawaii Army National Guard was drafted into federal service.

(RE: Organizational Authority Number 374-001)

Co B (EN), 227^th BEB activated into federal service on February 14, 2014. Co B 227^th BEB consists of combat engineer and route clearance platoons. 

(RE: Organizational Authority Number 374-001)

Co C (SIG), 227^th BEB activated into federal service on February 14, 2014, and was created from Co C, 29^th BSTB, and previous to that, the Signal Platoon, HHC, 29^th BCT.

(RE: Organizational Authority Number 374-001)

Co D (MI), 227^th BEB activated into federal service on February 14, 2014, reorganized from the former Co B 29^th BSTB, and previous to that, the 229^th Military Intelligence Company. The company traces its lineage back to December 6, 1998, when 229^th (MI) Company was drafted into federal service as a separate company of the 29^th SIB (Enhanced).

(RE: Organizational Authority Number 374-001)

HHC, 227^th BEB was activated into federal service on February 14, 2014, reorganized from the former HHC 29^th BSTB, which originally was created from various combat service support and combat support platoons/sections of the former HHC, 29^th Separate Infantry Brigade, to include the Military Police Platoon, CBRN (Chemical Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) Reconnaissance Platoon, and Maintenance Platoon.

(RE: Organizational Authority Number 374-001)

From May 05, 2007 to May 27, 2007, the 29^th BSTB participated in Operation Jumpstart, in support of the Global War on Terrorism and was assigned to Task Force Tucson and Task Force Diamond Back for the purpose of preventing and deterring undocumented aliens from entering the United States. The 29^th BSTB mission was to conduct surveillance of remote and austere areas along the southwest border of the State of Arizona as well as constructing barriers along the border town of Nogales, Arizona and in the remote areas of the Tohono O’odham Native American Reservation.

From November 05, 2008 to August 12, 2009, the battalion deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. With elements of the battalion located throughout Kuwait at Camp Virginia, Kuwait Naval Base, and Camp Buehring, the battalion had a multifaceted mission of functioning as the mayoral cell for Camp Virginia while providing security and sustainment for U.S. and Coalition forces at the camp. Elements from Co A (EN) were detached and conducted convoy escort team missions, ensuring the delivery of supplies and equipment from Kuwait to destinations throughout Iraq.

In October 2012, 16 Soldiers from the Battalion deployed to Afghanistan as part of a Security Force Advisory Team (SFAT). The purpose of the SFAT was to work with their Afghan counterparts to improve their logistics, intelligence, maintenance, administration, rule of law, and training capabilities.

In 2018 and 2019, Soldiers of the 227^th Brigade Engineer Battalion were called upon to mobilize and deploy in support of the 29^th IBCT’s mission in Kosovo, the 1-299^th Cavalry’s mission in Egypt, and lastly, the 1-487^th Field Artillery’s mission in Afghanistan, which is still on going.

In 2019 through 2021, Soldiers of the 227^th Brigade Engineer Battalion were called on Active Duty for the State of Hawaii in support of COVID-19 state of emergency.

227th Brigade Engineer Battalion (227th BEB)

Commanded by Lt. Col. Dale Balsis and Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Lapitan, the 227th BEB conducts mission command; engineer battalion operations; intelligence collection; information network and information systems; disaster management operations; and sustainment worldwide in support of the 29th IBCT’s combat operations or in support of contingency or emergency operations at the federal, state, or local level.

• The 227th BEB participated in Rotation 23-08.5 at the JRTC from July 17 to 30, 2023. During the rotation, IKAIKA executed core 227th BEB missions, including mobility, counter-mobility, survivability, and signal support. The 227th BEB executed engineer coordination, enabler integration, and detainee operations. The 227th BEB integrated three echelons above brigade units, including two Engineer Companies and one Military Police Platoon. The 227th BEB managed 700 personnel across 12 units for JRTC to include the 1-188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment Platoon, 426th Civil Affairs Battalion and 349th Psychological Ops. The battalion leadership was responsible for integrating attached enablers from reception, staging, onward movement, and integration and employing them throughout the rotation. The Battalion supported the basic combat training through the initial attack into AO BEAR, the defense, the attack to seize Bodega and the pursuit with retention of Sarangola. Overall, the BEB, with attached enablers, enhanced the basic combat trainingʻs combat effectiveness because of engaged leaders at echelon.
• As one of the major force providers for CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package, 227th BEB personnel deployed to Maui during the Maui WildFires in August to December 2023 stepping into a situation that was rapidly evolving. Their initial efforts focused was to restore order, establishing command posts, coordinating evacuations, and ensuring steady supply chain for essential resources. Simultaneously, they worked to build trust amongst the community, and stabilize the situation, operating with precision and discipline to reassure the community. As fires subsided, the HING shifted their mission to conduct recovery operations which the 227th BEB took part of.
• A successful change of command between Lt. Col. Issac Floyd (outgoing) and Lt. Col. Dale Balsis (incoming). Floyd completed 21 months of command time with 227th BEB and relinquished his command to Balsis, on Dec. 1, 2023 at building 282.
• The 227th BEB completed their AT at PTA from June 1 to 15, 2024. During AT, the 227th BEB focused on section and platoon level training to enhance operational readiness and improve unit cohesion. The training involved a series of tactical drills and exercises designed to sharpen the skills in mobility and counter-mobility operations, support operations, and logistical operations of individual Soldiers while promoting teamwork in the unit.

– 2024 Annual Report pp. 21-22

227th Brigade Engineer Battalion (227th BEB)

The 227th BEB is headquartered in Kapolei. Its mission is to conduct mission command; engineer operations; intelligence collection; information network and information systems; and disaster management operations in support of the 29th IBCT’s combat operations or in support of contingency or emergency operations at the federal, state, or local level. The 227th BEB operations enable the brigade to operate in all domains and warfighting functions.

• Conducted annual training at Schofield Barracks executing groundto-air medical evacuation training with HIARNG aviation, squad live fire exercises and company demolition recertification, enhanced communications of high capacity line-of-sight systems and retransmission capabilities from Schofield Barracks to Bellows Air Force Base, and honing expertise in intelligence operations such as electromagnetic warfare and human intelligence operations.
• Integrated new technologies and equipment in the 227th BEB such as the mounted mission command systems, CBRN man transportable robotic system, TALON robots for advanced detection and improved explosive hazard mitigation, and improving overall Soldier and equipment readiness.
• Participated in several major exercises, providing Soldiers to support Tiger Balm and engagements under the State Partnership Program — all of which provided vital joint and multinational experience.

– 2025 Annual Report pp. 21-22

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Leadership

• 2023 – Present Lt. Col. Dale Balsis
• 2022 – 2023 LTC Isaac Floyd
• 2020 – 2022  LTC Auredith Tumpap
• 2017 – 2020 LTC Shawn Tsuha  
• 2015 – 2017 LTC Paul Agena  
• 2013 – 2015 LTC James Barros
• 2010 – 2013 LTC Neal Mitsuyoshi 
• 2006 – 2010 LTC Moses Kaoiwi Jr. 

Lineage and Honors

Constituted 1 September 2007 in the Hawaii Army National Guard as the Special Troops Battalion, 29^th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

Organized 28 March 2008 from new and existing units with Headquarters at Kapolei

Ordered into active Federal service 19 August 2008 at home stations, released from active Federal service 22 September 2009 and reverted to state control

Converted and redesignated 1 September 2014 as the 227^th Engineer Battalion, an element of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

Last updated September 2019