Although the 321st Civil Affairs Brigade can trace its origins back to August 1945 and the Presidio in California, it was not until June 1971 that its Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), or unit crest, was approved for wear. At that time, the unit was still designated the 321st Civil Affairs Group—it would become a Brigade in 1992—but it was already located at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, where it has remained headquartered to this day.
As of Autumn 2023, the Brigade is allotted to the U.S. Army Reserve and is assigned to the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command's 350th Civil Affairs Command. It comprises four Civil Affairs Battalions: the 410th stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, the 436th and 490th based in Sanford, Florida, and the 451st in Houston, Texas. (Use the links below to learn more about the Brigade's lineage and history and to add more of its insignias to your shopping cart.)
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The 321st Civil Affairs Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia, or unit crest, features an opened white scroll with both ends rolled and an image of The Alamo superimposed in gold over it. Placed over The Alamo is a diagonally oriented quill pen, with its top at the upper right and its nib at the lower left, entwined by a purple scroll with inscribed “Peace Thru Unity” in white lettering. Purple is the primary color of Civil Affairs organizations, and the scroll is a heraldic symbol of legal documents; the quill authority, lawgiving, and justice. The Alamo, of course, is a symbol of San Antonio, and in fact also played a role in the Civil Affairs of the city.
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.
Related Items
321st Civil Affairs Brigade Patch (SSI)
321st Civil Affairs Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)