The design of the Distinctive Unit Insignia of the 31st Forward Support Battalion, a deactivated unit in the Alabama Army National Guard, was approved on 22 April 1982. “Service For Victory,” the unit motto, denotes the crucial role that support plays in any military endeavor. The scarlet “X” shape is similar to a saltire, and recalls the saltire known as the cross of St. Andrew that is used on the state flag of Alabama. Interlaced with the saltirewise bars is an annulet (circle), a symbol of faithfulness that also invokes the unit’s home base of Enterprise, Alabama, which was laid out like a circle. The four arrows indicate the unit’s ability to provide support to any location.
Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a Distinctive Unit Insignia is 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. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
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Originally formed in 1922 as the 2nd Battalion, 117th Regiment and assigned to the 31st Infantry Division, the 31st Forward Support Battalion was called into active service under that designation. It would be relocated to three bases before being redesignated as the 933rd Field Artillery Battalion, still assigned to the 31st Infantry Division for its service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. It would serve again with the Division in the Korean War.
In January 1968, the Battalion merged with 1st Battalion, 131st Armored Division and was assigned as an organic tank battalion of the 31st Brigade, 30th Armored Division. Less than five years later, state reorganization of the National Guard led to its redesignation as the 933rd Composite Service Battalion on 1 February 1972. With the deactivation of the 30th Armored Division on 31 October 1973, the state of Alabama was allotted a Separate Armored Brigade; the 933rd Composite Service Battalion was reorganized and redesignated as the 31st Support Battalion, an organic element of the new 31st Separate Armored Brigade.
Thirty years later to the month, the Battalion was redesignated as the 31st Forward Support Battalion. It received orders of its deactivation on 28 September 2007, with an official ceremony held on 18 August 2008 at Bates Memorial Stadium in Enterprise, Alabama.