The 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team (BCT) is a parachute infantry brigade of the United States Army, with its home base in Vicenza, Italy. The "Sky Soldiers" are the United States European Command's conventional airborne strategic response force for Europe. With a rich history dating back to 1917, the 173rd Airborne veterans can hold their heads high, proud of the time spent serving in one of the best units of the United States Army.