The 891st Engineer Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, also referred to as a unit crest or DUI, incorporates the Corps of Engineers branch colors of scarlet and white (silver) with a silver castle turret set against a scarlet field, with a modified black drawing compass superimposed over the turret. Turrets are used frequently in the heraldry of Engineer units to represent construction, and the compass is associated with architectural design.
A fleur-de-lis added to the compass likely denotes participation in World War I or World War II campaigns by a unit in the Battalion’s lineage (it might also allude to the state of Kansas’ inclusion as part of the Louisiana Purchase), but unfortunately The Institute of Heraldry does not have any information on the background or symbolism of this insignia. “Building For Readiness” is the Battalion motto.
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. 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.
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According to the U.S. Army Center of Military History, the 891st Engineer Battalion was originally constituted as the 891st Engineer Aviation Battalion in the Air National Guard on 25 March 1953 and was subsequently allotted to the Kansas Army National Guard on 1 August 1953. Organized and Federally recognized from new and existing units (which could account for WWI or WWII participation reflected in the fleur-de-lis) on 13 January 1954, it was reorganized and redesignated as the 891st Engineer Battalion on 15 January 1957. It was then converted and redesignated on 1 February 1976 as the 635th Armor, a parent regiment under the Combat Arms Regimental System comprising the 1st Battalion, an element of the 69th Infantry Brigade.
As of Autumn 2023, the 891st Engineer Battalion remains an active unit in the Kansas Army National Guard. Headquartered in Iola, Kansas, the Battalion's trains to enhance the combat effectiveness of Support Brigades at division and corps level by accomplishing mobility, survivability and general engineering tasks.
891st Engineer Battalion trains to increase the combat effectiveness of the support brigades
Forward Support Company, Iola
226th Engineer Company, Augusta and Salina
242nd Engineer Company, Coffeyville, Wichita and Pittsburg
772nd Engineer Mobility Augmentation Company, Pittsburg
35th Military Police, Topeka