An Army Reserve unit based in Seagoville, Texas, the 961st Engineer Battalion was originally constituted as the 2nd Battalion, 922nd Engineers in the Army of the United States on 15 July 1942. Redesignated on 1 March 1943 as the 1881st Engineer Aviation Battalion, the unit would serve in three campaigns in the Pacific Theater before the end of World War II, earning an Arrowhead device for its participation in an assault landing on New Guinea. Its outstanding service was also recognized with a Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and a Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.
Following a two-year inactivation period, the unit was redesignated as the 961st Engineer Construction Battalion in June 1948, with its Headquarters activated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin the next month. It was given its current designation as the 961st Engineer Battalion on 1 February 1954.
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Inscribed on the a scroll that encircles the base of the 961st Engineer Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia is the Latin phrase CONSTRUIRE ET COMBATTRE, the unit motto which translates into English as “They Build And They Fight.” A vertical band in the center simulate a landing strip, recalling the role the unit played as Aviation Engineers during World War II; it is flanked by two demi-suns to denote the two campaigns (Leyte and Luzon) the Battalion fought in the Philippines. In the center is a stone war-club head, a weapon wielded by some tribes in New Guinea, that recalls the Battalion’s service there during World War II.
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.