Prior to its conversion and redesignation as a Military Police Group in April 1976, the unit that is today the 177th Military Police Brigade had, at various times, been designated and served as a Field Artillery, Division Artillery, Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons, and Cavalry unit. It was not until 19 November 1986 that it would be designated as the 177th Military Police Brigade. While designated as the 593rd Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, the unit served in the Aleutian Islands during World War II; this is memorialized on the 177th Military Police Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia with the inclusion of snow-capped peaks. An upright key between the peaks is an image of protection and apprehension suggesting the Brigade’s basic mission.
The five-pointed star mounted on a wheel recalls a similar star on the flags of Alaska and the city of Detroit, with the wheel recalling Detroit’s reputation as the “Motor City” and home of the Brigade. The wavy blue and white bars stand for the waters of rivers and Great Lakes such as Superior, Huron and Michigan. Green and yellow are used because they are the branch colors for the Military Police Corps, whose duty is always to "Protect Defend Serve."
As of Autumn 2023, the 177th Military Police Brigade remains an active unit allotted to the Michigan Army National Guard. It is headquartered in Taylor, Michigan.
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