Originally a multinational body, Multi-National Corps – Iraq was established on 15 May 2004 to develop and coordinate tactics for use in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Its creation was largely due to the perception that its predecessor organization, the Combined Joint Task Force 7, was incapable of handling the complexity of the complete range of military operations in Iraq while simultaneously conducting strategic tasks related to the political and socio-economic issues.
With the creation of the Corps, strategic issues were handed off to Multi-National Force-Iraq. Multi-National Corps headquarters were provided by several U.S. Army Corps over the course of its existence, which concluded on 31 December 2009, the same date on which Multi-National Force-Iraq was ended.
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Also called a “unit crest” or DUI, the Distinctive Unit Insignia of the U.S. Army Element, Multi-National Corps features a red border to denote valor and distinction. Blue, wavy bars are often a symbol for bodies of water in heraldry; here, the two bars near the base of the insignia refer to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, as well as to the fact that Iraq is frequently called the “land of two rivers.” The black arrow, called a pheon in heraldry, is an emblem of military readiness and great strength, while the palm wreath encircling it highlights the service rendered by the organizations and the Soldiers it represents in the effort to bring peace and democracy to the nation.
The red border indicates distinction and valor. The blue wavy bars allude to the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers and Iraq's title of "the land of two rivers," the area of operation. The black pheon spear represents military readiness and might. The palm wreath highlights the service of the Multi-National Corp and soldiers, in Iraq.
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. Enlisted personnel wear the insignia centered on a shoulder loop by placing it an equal distance from the outside shoulder seam to the outside edge of the shoulder-loop button. Officers (except Generals) wearing grade insignia on the shoulder loops center the DUI by placing it an equal distance between the inside edge of the grade insignia and the outside edge of the button.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 ItemsU.S. Army Element, Multi-National Corps Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)U.S. Army Element, Multi-National Corps Iraq Patch (SSI)