The 358th Civil Affairs Brigade Combat Service ID Badge is based upon the the Brigade's Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-Military Operations in Hostile Conditions insignia (SSI-MOHC) that was approved on 9 June 1976. Its purple and white hues denote the organization’s status as part of the Civil Affairs Corps, while the blue and yellow tones are the state colors of Pennsylvania, the Brigade’s location at the time the patch was approved.
A gridlined globe in the center of the insignia is a visual reference to the worldwide scope of the Brigade’s capabilities. The military authority it wields as part of its mission is alluded to by an upright sword; it is “sheathed” to symbolize the Brigade’s support of post-combat military operations. The ultimate goal of Civil Affairs organizations is to help establish civil authority to ensure peace and lawful conduct in the wake of warfare, and this goal is embodied in the Brigade motto of “Victory For Humanity.”
Originally constituted and activated at Norristown, Pennsylvania as HQ and HQ Company, 358th Civil Affairs Area on 1 January 1966 in the Army Reserve, the unit was given its current designation as HHC, 358th Civil Affairs Brigade on 1 June 1975 following reorganization and redesignation.
It was ordered into active military service in February 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and its outstanding service over the next two years would later be recognized with Navy Presidential Unit Citation. A Detachment from HQ and HQ Company would go on to be tapped for a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its service between October 2004 and June 2005; the entire HHC would later be awarded an MUC for its support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from November 2006 to November 2007.
The Brigade has been based at Riverside, California since 2008. As of Spring 2022, it is assigned to the 351st Civil Affairs Command.
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