85TH U.S. ARMY RESERVE SUPPORT COMMAND UNIT CREST (DUI)

The Distinctive Unit Insignia (unit crest) of the 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command Distinctive was approved on 4 November 2008, but it previously had been approved for the 85th Division (Training) on 27 May 1986 and for the 85th Division (Training Support) on 17 October 1999. In addition, a different unit crest had been approved for the noncolor-bearing units of the 85th Division (Training) from 16 May 1967 to 27 May 1986.

Nicknamed “Custer Division” because it was originally organized at Camp Custer, Michigan, the 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command unit crest pays homage to the famous cavalryman with the use of the colors scarlet and blue, which were used on the personal flag of the “Boy General," and the inclusion of a scarlet cravat bearing the device of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade which Custer often wore as part of his uniform. Crossed sabers recall Custer’s cavalry service, while a laurel wreath symbolizes his numerous accomplishments and military victories. The blue scroll at the bottom with two stars on each side is a reference to Custer’s promotion to Major General, which at the time made him the Army’s youngest Major General.

Distinctive Unit Insignias are worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. Current regulations do not permit the DUI to be worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.

More 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 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command was formed on 5 August 1917 in the National Army as HQ, 85th Division and was organized on 25 August 1917. It served as a depot division in France, with its components broken up and the personnel serving as replacement troops; for this contribution it was awarded an uninscribed World War I streamer. After the war, it was demobilized in 1919 and then reconstituted and organized in 1921. Redesignated on 31 March 1942 as Division HQ, 85th Division, it was ordered into active militar service in May 1942 and reorganized at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. Redesignated as the 85th Infantry Division, it fought in three campaigns in Italy before returning stateside to be disbanded at Camp Patrick Henry in Virginia.

Reconstituted (again) in the Organized Reserves in November 1946, the Division was reactivated on 19 February 1947 at Litchfield, Illinois. But it was on 1 June 1959 that it underwent its most important reorganization and redesignation as it was transformed into the 85th Division (Training) and tasked with the instruction of new Army Reserve Soldiers. In 1993, it was reorganized and redesignated as Headquarters, 85th Division (Exercise); in 1999, it became 85th Division (Training Support). Inactivated in 2007 and its assets disbursed to the 75th Division (Training Support,” the unit was reactivated in December 2008 under its current designation. It is headquartered at Arlington Heights, Illinois.

As of Winter 2024, it reamains allotted to the U.S. Army Reserve and consists of three Multi-Functional Training Brigades (the 120th, 181st, and 189th), three Infantry Brigade (157th, 174th, and 188th), 5th Combined Arms Training Brigade, 4th Cavalry Brigade, and 177th Armor Brigade.

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85th Army Reserve Support Command Patch (SSI)