The 21st Signal Brigade Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, or unit patch, was approved on 16 October 2003—the same day the Brigade saw the end of a nearly 28-year period of inactivation following extensive service in the Vietnam War.
In the color version of the patch, which is adopted for use on the Combat Service ID Badge, the Signal Corps colors of orange and white are divided inside the field of an arced rectangle by a golden lightning flash, representing the strategic and tactical elements of the Brigade’s mission. As is often the case in heraldry, a sword here stands for military preparedness as well as the unit’s combat history in Vietnam; it also recalls the Brigade’s motto “Edge Of The Sword” and its official nickname “Razor Sharp.”
The black satellite dish that forms a sword guard stands for future technological capabilities of the unit; black is also the color of solidarity and strength. A globe at the sword’s base reflects the global reach exercised by the Brigade in carrying out its mission, and the golden border reflects the standard of excellence the Brigade aims for at all times, a level of commitment that led to the Brigade being honored with an Army Superior Unit Award for its service from 2008 to 2009.
Related Items
21st Signal Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)
21st Signal Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)