Authorized for wear on 29 May 1979, the 18th Field Artillery Brigade Shoulder Sleeve insignia features an arced rectangle with a scarlet field. Inside the rectangle is a gold, upright cannon barrel, longtime symbol of artillery units, with a pair of gold wings attached. While numerous sources state that the wings represent the mobility, speed, and accuracy of modern artillery, they might very well be a visual reminder that the 18th FA was designated as an Airborne unit from 1992 until 2007 while assigned to XVIII Corps; personnel serving in the brigade during that time would be required to wear the AIRBORNE tab as an integral part of the insignia.
From 2007 to 2014, the 18th Field Artillery Brigade was redesignated as the 18th Fires Brigade and once again assumed responsibility to provide long-range field artillery resources to the four divisions of the XVIII Corps. Nicknamed the “Steel Brigade,” the 18th FA Brigade is stationed at Fort Liberty (formerly named Fort Bragg) and consists of a Headquarters and Headquarters Battery; 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment; 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment; and the 188th Brigade Support Battalion.
Related Items
18th Field Artillery Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)
18th Field Artillery Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)
18th Field Artillery Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB) ** PLUS "AIRBORNE" TAB **
18th Field Artillery Brigade, HQ and HQ Battery Beret Flash & Oval