The 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia, better known as a “unit crest” or DUI, was originally approved for the 226th Support Group on 13 October 1983 and was redesignated for the 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade on 1 September 2009 with an updated description and revised symbolism reflecting the organization’s new mission.
“Quality In Quantity,” the unit motto, is an apt description for both a Support Group (as in Quantity of materiel) or a Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (an abundance of quality in the services provided to supported units). Resembling a fortified castle wall, the embattled top of the insignia, along with the pair of golden keys and the flaming shell, stand for the major mission of the organization to provide support in Ordnance, Quartermaster, and Engineering fields. A red and white hawser (cable or roped used to tow a ship) recalls Mobile, Alabama, a port city (from which supplies are sent) that is also the home of the Brigade. The blue field upon which the shell and hawser rest recalls the waters of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1, Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e), "Beret" and "Garrison Cap," respectively.
The 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade has been called into active Federal service on at least two occasions since the launch of the War on Terrorism. For exceptional service during its 18-month deployment between August 2006 and February 2007, the Brigade—while still designated as the 226th Support Group—was awarded a Navy Unit Commendation. In 2013, it was called into active service again to provide Force Protection and Mission Command for five Kabul Base Clusters that were tasked with supporting the International Security Assistance Force-Afghanistan; HHC, 226th Support Group and was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation just a few months after it returned from its mission in January 2014.
Related Items:
226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Patch (SSI) 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)