1st Signal Brigade was established from three existing Signal Groups on 1 April 1966 in response to the ever-burgeoning communication needs of the U.S. and South Vietnamese military in their fight against both North Vietnam and the insurgent Viet Cong. By the end of the following year, the Command comprised 19,700 personnel, a number that eventually grew to 21,000 personnel spanning six Signal Groups. In all, the 1st Signal Brigade took part in 15 of the 17 named campaigns of the Vietnam War, earning three Meritorious Unit Awards between its April 1966 organization and its relocation to South Korea in 1972. In 2007, the 1st Signal Brigade was honored with an Army Superior Unit award.
The “First to Communicate” brigade’s shoulder sleeve insignia borrows imagery from the insignia of the erstwhile Strategic Communication Command, in particular the orange field and yellow border and the lightning bolt, a standard image used for Communications and Signal units. Placing the lightning on a sword gives it dual meaning, reflecting both the support and tactical missions assigned to the unit. A single blue stripe is an oblique reference to the unit’s numerical designation.
Related Items1st Signal Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia (Unit Crest)1st Signal Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)