Although the 3rd Chemical Brigade can point to its origins as the 3rd Separate Chemical Battalion with a constitution date of 1 January 1942, the unit did not have an approved Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, or unit patch, until this one was approved on 19 November 2002 (the background color was changed ten days later).
What makes this particularly intriguing is that the 3rd Chemical Brigade was quite active during World War II, taking part in no fewer than seven campaigns—and two of those, Sicily and Southern France, were awarded with Arrowheads for participation in an amphibious assault landing.
The 3rd Chemical Brigade Shoulder Sleeve Insignia is a hexagon and is emblematic of chemistry. Scarlet and purple and the flames “allude to the he mission of the chemical brigade” (according to The Institute of Heraldry), while the arrowhead indicates the willingness to attack and defend, with its three sides indicating the Brigade’s numerical designation.
Related Items: 3rd Chemical Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)
3rd Chemical Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)