As a major subordinate command in the Alabama National Guard, the 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade is tasked with a wide a variety of missions, from helping civilians in their home state cope with the devastating effects of powerful hurricanes to handling critical support functions overseas that will enable front-live Army units to focus exclusively on achieving their mission goals.
In 2013, for example, the 226th deployed to Kabul and trained more than 1,000 Afghans uniformed police, increasing their professionalism and confidence which in turn instills a sense of hope in the citizens they’ve sword to protect. At the same time, the Brigade helped house and protect 7,000 U.S. military personnel, ensuring all received three nutritious meals a day and had ready access to bottled water. The unit also worked on lighting, roads, sewage lines and medical clinics, all to bring hope that change is not only on way, but it coming sooner than they can imagine.
Stateside, the 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade conducts annual hurricane exercises to help the Alabama Emergency Agency prepared in case a major storm system hits the state during the late spring through early fall. Based at Fort Whiting, the Brigade is the center of activity in terms hurricane response; it is activated by the Alabama National Guard when a hurricane looms in the forecast and becomes Joint Task Force Tarpon, equipped with assets ranging from helicopter and boat teams to high-water evacuation squads and military police.
The 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Shoulder Sleeve Insignia draws heavily upon the imagery and history of its home state, from a red “X” taken from the state flag to the blue and gray borders on the patch that are also used on the Combat Service ID Badge.
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