The 50th Personnel Services Battalion is an inactive unit in the New Jersey Army National Guard that was originally organized as the HQ Battery and Combat Train, 1st Battalion, Field Artillery in the New Jersey National Guard on 27 June 1921. Over the course of its 87-year history, it was reorganized eight times and underwent a dozen redesignations. It’s last reorganization and redesignation came in September 1995, when it was redesignated from the 50th Personnel Service Company to 50th Personnel Services Battalion and relieved from assignment to the 50th Armored Division. As the 50th Personnel Services Battalion, it was based in Lawrenceville and was one of four subordinate units in the 57th Troop Command.
It was called into Federal service twice, the first time in September 1940, after which it was reorganized and redesignated as HQ Battery, 1st Battalion, 199th Field Artillery and served in the Northern France campaign in World War II. It answered its country’s call again in 2006 when it deployed to Afghanistan, returning in March 2007 and receiving a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its exceptional service. It was inactivated the following year, with a casing of the colors ceremony held at National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters on 16 November 2008.
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The 50th Personnel Services Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, commonly called a unit crest or a DUI, features two quill pens to represent the administrative and managerial functions of the organization. An upright sword is a symbol of the Soldiers the unit serves. “Teamwork Wins,” the unit motto, emphasizes the importance of the organization’s support role in achieving mission success.