Approved on 27 April 1977 for the 362nd Civil Affairs Brigade, this Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), or unit crest, was redesignated for the 85th Civil Affairs Brigade after it was created in 2009. The Brigade was subsequently inactivated on 31 January 2018.
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The insignia comprises a crossed gold sword and gold scroll superimposed on a gold-bordered white star mounted on a gold-bordered purple disc. Gold is always a symbol of excellence and achievement, while purple and white are the branch colors of Civil Affairs.
The sword and scroll are crossed to suggest a saltire and indicate strong support, a reference to the mission of Civil Affairs units in providing security and stability. A star is an emblem of achievement and leadership; in military heraldry it typically is used for units that have command authority. In this insignia, the star is also a symbol of the Lone Star State of Texas, where the Brigade was founded and subsequently was headquartered throughout its service life.
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.
Related Items
85th Civil Affairs Brigade Patch (SSI)
85th Civil Affairs Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)