Nicknamed “Freedom’s Eagles,” the 17th Aviation Brigade was originally constituted as the 17th Aviation Group. The Distinctive Unit Insignia (unit crest) authorized for the Group in 1968 was redesignated for the Brigade with symbolism revised after unit was given its Brigade designation in 1987—but it did not have an authorized Shoulder Sleeve Insignia for the nearly twenty years it served as the 17th Aviation Group.
Authorized on 9 June 1988, the 17th Aviation Brigade Shoulder Sleeve Insignia is an arced rectangle with an ultramarine field and golden orange border, the colors of Army Aviation dating back to the Army Air Corps. An upright, unsheathed broadsword in the center of the insignia is taken from the unit crest and stand for the Brigade’s swift-strike capabilities and combat preparedness. Two wings attached to the sword’s handle symbolizes aviation assets lifting combat forces and transporting them into battle, along with the firepower of the attack choppers in the Brigade.
Related Items
17th Aviation Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)
17th Aviation Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)