2nd Medical Brigade, US Army
2ND MEDICAL BRIGADE, US ARMY
 (Shoulder Sleeve Insignia) |
 (Distinctive Unit Insignia) |
Official blazon
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: On a white disc with a 1/8 inch (.32cm) gold border 2 1/4 inches (5.72cm) in diameter overall, a maroon cross with the arms rounded at the ends bearing an inverted gold fleam.
Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in width overall, consisting of an inverted gold fleam on a red enamel cross with equal length arms rounded at the ends surmounting the junction of two gold swords saltirewise all centered on a white enamel disc which is surrounded by a continuous maroon scroll folded inward at wither side issuing gold rays from the upper arch behind the swordpoint; the scroll folded three times in base and crossing in front of the swords above the hilt and bearing in gold letters "CENTER OF MERCY" on the left center and right hand respectively.
Origin/meaning
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: Maroon and white are the colors traditionally associated with the Medical Corps. The cross alludes to medical care and service while the inverted fleam, an ancient surgical implement, simulates the numeral "2," representing the unit's numerical designation. Gold is for honor and excellence.
Distinctive Unit Insignia: Maroon and white are colors traditionally associated with the Medical Department. The fleam, an ancient medical scalpel, resembles the numeral two and is centered on a red cross, a traditional symbol for medical services, and represents the unit's primary mission. The crossed swords allude to the soldier and to the two components supported by the unit. The white disc refers to hope. The sun rays refer to a setting sun alluding to the western United States where the unit is located.
The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was approved on 20 October 1992. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved for the 2d Hospital Center on 31 August 1979. It was redesignated for the 2d Medical Brigade, with description and symbolism revised, on 20 October 1992. Literature: Images from Wikimedia Commons. Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.