The 18th Field Artillery Brigade, HQ and HQ Battery Flash (officially called an “organizational flash”) was approved on 13 March 1981, while the background trimming (more commonly called an “oval”) was not approved until 23 December 1997.
Flashes are worn on centered on the beret stiffener of the colored beret authorized for the unit’s organization, in this case maroon for Airborne, with the Distinctive Unit Insignia (unit crest) or Regimental Distinctive Insignia worn centered on the flash. Ovals are worn behind Parachutist or Air Assault badges, with the main portion of the badge centered on the oval.
A component of the XVIII Corps, the 18th Field Artillery Brigade was originally constituted on 21 October 1943 in the Army of the United States as HQ and HQ Battery, XVIII Corps Artilllery. It was designated as a Fires Brigade from 2007 to 2014, when it was redesignated under its current title. Its Battle Honors include three campaigns in World War II and all three campaigns in the 1990–1991 Persian Gulf War, with its campaign participation in the War on Terrorism yet to be determined. It is also the recipient of two Meritorious Unit Commendations, one for service between 2005-2006 in Iraq and another for service in Afghanistan in 2010.
Related Items
18th Field Artillery Brigade Patch (SSI)
18th Field Artillery Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)
18th Field Artillery Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)
18th Field Artillery Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB) ** PLUS "AIRBORNE" TAB **)