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218 Infantry Brigade

218 Infantry Brigade
Unit Insignia

  • Description: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02cm) in height overall consisting of a blue (ultramarine) enamel oval bearing a silver palmetto tree issuing from a silver mound and charged with a blue enamel crescent, surmounted at base by a horizontal silver bayonet, blade to the left, all inclosed by a continuous silver scroll inscribed around the top and sides, "Steadfast of Purpose" in blue enamel letters.
  • Symbolism: The oval shape was taken from the South Carolina State Seal referring historically to the successful defense of the palmetto log fort on Sullivan's Island in 1776. The palmetto is the State Tree and in this instance, bears a blue crescent; a white palmetto tree and crescent are found on the blue field of the South Carolina State Flag. The bayonet overall symbolizes the organization's combat mission. Blue is a color used for Infantry units.
  • Background: The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 3 Jun 1974.

218 Infantry Brigade
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

  • Description: On a shield arced at top and bottom 2 inches (5.08cm) wide and 3 inches (7.62cm) in height overall and divided horizontally blue and gray, a pair of white bayonets in saltire below a white crescent, all within a 1/8 inch (.32cm) light blue border.
  • Symbolism: Blue and white are the colors used for Infantry and the bayonets allude to the mission and combat readiness. The crescent, taken from the State Flag of South Carolina, and the colors blue and gray refer in part to the history of the State, and the Militia who in 1775 on James Island, "showed up in blue uniforms with a silver crescent on their caps." The crescent is also used to represent the unit's allotment to the Army National Guard of South Carolina.
  • Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 3 Jun 1974.