The 416th Civil Affairs Battalion beret flash and oval, officially designated as Airborne background trimming, were both originally approved on 24 May 2011 and amended to correct their descriptions on 14 June 2011.
More accurately referred to as an organizational flash since it represents a unique organization and is worn on an organizational uniform item, the flash is worn on the maroon beret authorized for all personnel serving in Airborne-designated units regardless of their individual Airborne or Airborne-related qualifications. Battalion Officers wear their insignia of rank centered the flash, which is itself centered on the beret’s stiffener, while Enlisted Battalion personnel wear the 416th Civil Affairs Distinctive Unit Insignia, or unit crest, in similar fashion.
The wear of ovals is limited to Battalion personnel who have qualified for a Parachutist or Air Assault badge. As indicated by their official designation, they served as a trim or border for these devices, which are centered on the oval before the combination is attached to the coats of the AGSU and ASU, the shirt of the Class B ASU, and the blue or green Army Maternity Tunic (the last restricted to female Soldiers only).
More detailed guidance on the wear of flashes and ovals is found in the January 2021 edition of DA PAM 670-1, Chapter 21-32, subsections (a) and (b), while instructions on the wear and positioning of the oval-badge combination is found in Chapter 22-16, subsection (b).
Since the launch of the Global War on Terrorism, has deployed Battalion personnel in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom four times, twice to Iraq (2003 and 2008) and twice to Afghanistan (2008, 2010).
As of 2021, the unit is assigned to the 358th Civil Affairs Brigade, 351st Civil Affairs Command s major command of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command. It is headquartered in San Diego, California.
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