Combat Service Identification Badges (CSIB) were introduced when the Army replaced the Class A Green Service uniform with the Army Service Uniform. Featuring the same design as the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia worn on the left shoulder of the old Army Green uniform, the Combat Service ID Badge is worn on the right side of the Army Service/Dress and Mess/Evening Mess Uniforms. It ranks fifth in precedence of Identification badges, and personnel are allowed to move ID badges of lower precedence to the left side of the uniform in order to give the CSIB greater prominence.
The 168th Engineer Brigade CSIB features a golden tower on a shield that is diagonally divided into equal areas of scarlet and white, colors traditionally associated the Engineer Corps. The Tower is symbolic of alert watchfulness, and its gold color connotes of excellence and achievement.
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Like many units in the Mississippi Army National Guard, the 168th Engineer Brigade (at the time designated the 168th Engineer Group) was activated for Federal service in the months leading up to the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom. For its service in support of the Operation from February 2003 to February 2004, the Group earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Roughly four years later, the state of Mississippi was considering inactivating the Group, which had been reduced in size by nearly 50 percent over its 2003 levels. But the Group’s outstanding performance in its first OIF deployment, as well as it high levels of readiness and preparation, instead led to the Group being redesignated as a Brigade Headquarters, nearly tripling its personnel (from 42 to 125) and giving it command over other Engineer units and assets. Under the new designation, the 168th earned a second Meritorious Unit Commendation for its eight-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Related Items
168th Engineer Brigade Unit Patch (SSI)
168th Engineer Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)