Originally constituted on 18 February 1949 in the Organized Reserve Corps, the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 304th Civil Affairs Brigade underwent a reorganization and two redesignations before receiving its current designation in 1992.
The unit took part in two campaigns of the Southwest Asia conflict (commonly called the First Gulf War) while serving as the 304th Civil Affairs Group, and in 2003 was deployed to Iraq while attached to the I Marine Expeditionary Force, earning credit for participation in the Global War on Terrorism campaign as well as a Presidential Unit citation awarded by the U.S. Navy. In the same year, it was also tapped for a Meritorious Unit Commendation by the Army for its support of 1st Marine Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, the 377th Troop Support Command, and Central Command Headquarters.
As of Autumn 2023, the 304th Civil Affairs Brigade remains allotted to the U.S. Army Reserve and is a subordinate unit of the 353rd Civil Affairs Command. The Brigade comprises four Civil Affairs Battalions: the 403rd, 411th, 443rd, and 486th.
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The overarching goal of the 304th Civil Affairs Brigade is summed up in the unit motto, “Sustain The Peace,” inscribed on the top of the Brigade’s Distinctive Unit Insignia. Below it is the iconic Liberty Bell, symbol of freedom and inextricably associated with Philadelphia, the city where the Brigade was originally activated as the 304th Military Government Group in 1949. A globe denotes the worldwide mission of the Brigade, while olive branches are an emblem of the mission to assist in maintaining civil order throughout all phases of an operation. The insignia was approved on 22 March 1972.