Echo Station 3-T-8 was a Rebel Alliance reconnaissance installation situated outside of Echo Base on the frigid world of Hoth. Prior to the events of the Battle of Hoth, the scouts operating from Echo Station were the initial personnel to identify the advancing Imperial military. After spotting Imperial AT-ATs on the northern ridge, the station's commanding officer transmitted the information to the remainder of Echo Base. The outpost, defended by numerous Rebel infantry and defensive weapon emplacements, was swiftly overrun by the approaching Imperial troops.
This planet Hoth outpost, Echo Station 3-T-8, consisted of a series of defensive ditches excavated along the North Ridge near Echo Base. The station's purpose was reconnaissance, and it was manned by a contingent of Rebel personnel and automated turrets.
In the early stages of the Galactic Civil War, the Rebel Alliance established its primary headquarters within the Great Temple located on Yavin 4. The Galactic Empire tracked the Rebels to Yavin 4 and attempted to obliterate the moon utilizing the Death Star, a weapon of mass destruction with the capability of destroying entire planets. During the subsequent engagement, Rebel pilot Luke Skywalker successfully eliminated the orbital battlestation. Despite the destruction of the Death Star, Rebel forces were removed from Yavin, as the Empire had discovered their location.
Following the departure from Yavin, General Jan Dodonna initiated a search for a new base of operations, and within a period of three standard years, Echo Base was constructed on Hoth, accompanied by a V-150 ion cannon and several outlying defensive positions, including Echo Station 3-T-8.
Three standard years following the Battle of Yavin, Imperial forces discovered Echo Base within the Hoth system during Darth Vader's pursuit of Luke Skywalker. Under the command of General Maximilian Veers, Imperial ground troops consisting of AT-ATs, AT-STs, and snowtroopers were deployed at the Moorsh Moraine and commenced their advance toward the Rebel stronghold.
The Rebel scouts stationed at Station 3-T-8 were the first to observe the approaching enemy forces, and they promptly alerted Echo Base. The defenders of Echo Station 3-T-8 were no match for the overwhelming firepower of the Imperial vehicles, and the Rebel troops stationed there became the initial fatalities in the Empire's overwhelming victory.