The 504th Military Intelligence Brigade unit patch, officially known as a Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, was approved on 19 December 1985, three months after the unit had first received Brigade designation. A pair of wings alludes to a lofty perspective and by extension the advantage of clear observation that it provides. The lightning flash bisecting the wings denotes a quick response to the commander’s needs for intelligence from all available sources. A fleur-de-lis is a symbol of intelligence, but here it is also a reference to the unit’s service in Northern France and Central Europe. A gold border denotes excellence and signifies achievement.
Headquartered at Fort Cavazos (previously known as Fort Hood until Spring 2023), the 504th Military Intelligence Brigade is ready at any moment to deploy and conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in support of III Corps or any Task Force. Disciplines employed in its mission including the collection and analysis of Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT).
It comprises a Headquarters and Headquarters Company and two Military Intelligence Battalions, the 163rd and 303d. Since the launch of the War on Terrorism, the service of the Brigade’s Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment has been recognized with two Meritorious Unit Commendations (2004, 2006-2007) and a Valorous Unit Award (4 April 2004 to 22 April 2004). The Brigade’s motto is the Latin phrase “SEMPER PRAEPARATUS,” or “Always Prepared.”
Related Items
504th Military Intelligence Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)
504th Military Intelligence Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)