In 1955, The Civil Affairs
and Military Government Branch,
USAR, was established.
On 30 April 1956, the Office of
Civil Affairs and Military Government
gave concurrence in the design (gold global
background with gold torch, sword and
scroll superimposed thereon).
The Department of the Army General Staff
approved the design on 1 June 1956.
The branch was redesignated to Civil Affairs
USAR on 2 October 1959. The globe indicates the worldwide areas of Civil Affairs operations. The torch is from the Statue of Liberty, a symbol associated with the spirit of the United States. It also represents the enlightened performance of duty. The scroll and sword depict the civil and military aspects of the organization's mission. The insignia was authorized for wear by all personnel assigned to Regular Army Civil Affairs TOE units on 13 October 1961.
Branch Insignia: On a globe 5/8 inch in diameter, a torch of liberty 1-inch in height surmounted by a scroll and a sword crossed in saltire, all of gold color.
Branch Plaque: The plaque design has the branch insignia, letters, and border in white and the background is purple.
Regimental Insignia:
A silver and gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches in height consisting of a shield, crest and motto. The insignia is blazoned as follows: Purpure, a scroll and sword saltirewise, and overall a torch palewise or; a bordure argent. Attached below the shield, a silver scroll inscribed "SECURE THE VICTORY" in black letters. The crest above the shield: On a wreath of the colors (Or and Purpure), a globe Celeste gridlined Argent superimposed by a dexter gauntlet argent holding a balance scale Or. The Regimental Insignia was approved on 14 April 1989.
Regimental Coat of Arms:
The coat of arms appears on the breast of a displayed eagle on the regimental flag. The coat of arms is: Purpure, a scroll and sword saltirewise, and overall a torch palewise Or; a bordure Argent. Crest: On a wreath of the colors (Or and Purpure) a globe Celeste gridlined Argent superimposed by a dexter gauntlet Proper holding a balance scale Or. The regimental flag has a purple background and white fringe.
Symbolism of Regimental Insignia:
Purple and white are the colors traditionally associated with Civil Affairs. Gold is emblematic of honor and achievement. The scroll, sword and torch are adapted from the Civil Affairs branch insignia and denote the branch-wide scope and application of the design. The scroll and sword depict the civil and military aspects of the organization. The torch refers to the Statue of Liberty, a symbol associated with the spirit of democracy of the United States. The border emphasizes unity, continuity and the whole regimental concept. Crest: The scales represent balance and normality; the gauntlet denotes the military's role in establishing, administering and protecting the equilibrium. The globe signifies the extensive scope of the mission of the Civil Affairs Regiment.
Branch Colors:
Purple piped with white. Purple - 65009 cloth; 67115 yarn; PMS 267. White - 65005 cloth; 67101 yarn; PMS white.
The colors were approved for civil affairs units in June 1956.
Birthday:
17 August 1955. For many years prior to the establishment of the Civil Affairs/Military Government Branch as an Army Reserve branch on 17 August 1955, dedicated civil affairs professionals had contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the Army mission. Subsequently redesignated the Civil Affairs Branch on 2 October 1959, it has continued to enhance the traditions of expertise and thoroughness. It has been tasked to provide guidance to commanders in a broad spectrum of activities ranging from host-guest relationships to the assumption of executive, legislative, and judicial processes in occupied or liberated areas.
Information Courtesy of The Institute of Heraldry!!
