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US Army Insignia

US Army Brigades



16 Engineer Brigade

16 Engineer Brigade
Unit Insignia

  • Description: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) height overall consisting of an equilateral triangle, red enamel at the top and blue (ultramarine) enamel in base, bearing a silver galley issuing a masoned tower containing two vertical red enamel windows all surmounted on, and with angles slightly extended over, a red enamel annulet inscribed in silver letters, "BLAST" (left side), "BUILD" (right side) and "BATTLE" at the bottom.
  • Symbolism: The ring simulates the letter "O" and refers to Ohio, the center representing the state tree, the Buckeye. The triangle suggested by the triangle on the state flag of Ohio symbolizes the unit's stability. The masoned tower was suggested by the Corps of Engineers insignia of branch, while the ship and water allude to Columbus, Ohio situated at the junction of the Scioto and Olentangy Rivers, home area of the 16th Engineer Brigade. Scarlet is a color used by Engineer units.
  • Background: The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 1 Apr 1969.

16 Engineer Brigade
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

  • Description: On a scarlet disc 2 inches (5.08cm) in diameter two white towers, each embattled of three merlons and with scarlet windows and entranceways, crossed in saltire all within a 1/8 inch (.32cm) white border.
  • Symbolism: The colors scarlet and white are used for Engineers. The two crossed towers, forming a saltire - a symbol used during the Crusades to reward those who scaled town walls - refer to the combat aspects of the Engineers. Furthermore, the saltire, a form of brace, alludes to engineering support to other components within the organization. The saltire formed by the two crossed towers simulates an X, the map symbol used for brigades and also simulates the Roman numeral ten (X) which with the three merlons of each tower alludes to sixteen (16), the numerical designation of the organization.
  • Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 4 Dec 1969.