171ST INFANTRY BRIGADE
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Shoulder Sleeve Insignia


Description/Blazon
On an upright blue rectangle with rounded ends 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 inches (5.08 cm) in width overall, and within a 1/16 inch (.16 cm) inner white border and a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) outer red border, a representation of northern lights in yellow above two white-capped mountains and overall from top to bottom a blue bayonet, point up, edged white.

Symbolism
Combat arms colors are represented with the bayonet alluding to the Infantry and symbolizing attack.  The northern lights are symbolic of the area in which the unit was initially organized and the mountains refer to the terrain over which the units will maneuver to gain and hold ground.

Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 28 August 1963.   (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-314)




Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
Description:   A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in width overall consisting of a black double headed eagle between segments of arched gold indented band, with a narrow red indented band in its center on a blue background and in base two blue mountains with white snow caps.

Symbolism
The Northern Lights and snow capped mountains suggested by the organization's shoulder sleeve insignia allude to Alaska the unit' place of origin.  The double headed eagle symbolizes the historical event at Sitka in 1867 when the flag bearing the double headed eagle was lowered by Company F of the 9th Infantry on Alaska becoming an American territory.  The gold color further alludes to the natural wealth of Alaska.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 28 June 1967.





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