Commonly referred to as simply a “unit patch” or “shoulder patch,” these unit insignias are officially known as Shoulder Sleeve Insignia – Military Operations In Hostile Conditions insignia (SSI – MOHC). They previously were designated as SSI – Former Wartime Service insignia, or SSI – FWTS, when the full-color versions were authorized for wear with the Army Green Uniform discontinued in 2015; subdued versions, called ACU patches, are worn on the Army Combat Uniform and other utility uniforms. Be sure that the ACU patch you choose (OCP/UCP) is a match for the type of camouflage upon which you plan to wear the patch.
On both Dress and Utility uniforms, the insignia is worn on the left sleeve if it denotes the Soldier’s current organization. It is authorized for wear on the right sleeve to indicate service in that unit while engaged in military operations in hostile conditions (that criteria is outlined in AR 670-1).
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The Mississippi Army National Guard’s 185th Aviation Brigade can trace its origins to the establishment of the 131st Aviation Battalion on 15 February 1969. As the state’s first Aviation Battalion, the 131st was active until a 1986 restructuring led to its designation as the first Aviation Group in the Mississippi National Guard, retaining the 131 numerical designation—but only for a few months. The 131st was redesignated the 185th Aviation Group in 1987, a designation it retained for nearly twenty years until it became the 185th Theater Aviation Brigade in 2006. Today, it is a subordinate unit of the 66th Troop Command.
While still an Aviation Group, the Headquarters deployed to Iraq for a tour that spanned nearly a full year (January 2004 to December 2004), acting as the Aviation Group for the theater and controlling all Army aviation assets within Iraq at the time. In 2011, the 185th Theater Aviation Brigade’s 1st Battalion was deployed in support of Operation New Dawn and served as the primary Aviation asset in the northern part of Iraq during that campaign.
Related Items
185th Theater Aviation Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)
185th Theater Aviation Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)