Description

On a yellow disc 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in diameter, a blue horizontal base, overall a green giant cactus, all with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) Army green border.

Symbolism

The cactus represents the home area of the unit in the Southwest when it was first organized and is symbolic of the unit’s nickname.

Background

The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the 103d Division on 14 October 1922 and the approval specified the segment at the bottom of the disc to be the color of the branch of service. On 18 June 1935, the authorization was amended to standardize the design with the segment at the bottom of the disc to be blue. It was redesignated for the 103d Command Headquarters (Divisional) on 23 October 1963. It was redesignated for the 103d Support Command on 29 March 1978. The insignia was redesignated effective 16 September 1993, for the 103d Infantry Division. It was redesignated effective 16 September 2006, for the 103d Sustainment Command and updated to add a symbolism.

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description

A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a gold heraldic millrind supporting a gold arrow, point up, and bearing upon its crossbar a blue fleur-de-lis between two blue five pointed stars; all upon a scarlet field and above a blue concave scroll, with ends white and folded vertically terminating at the outer edge of the crossbar, inscribed on the blue portion “WE SUCCEED” and on the white portion a cactus on the left side and a Yale key on the right, both vertical and gold.

Symbolism

Buff (gold) and scarlet are the colors associated with US Army Support units. The millrind is symbolic of strength and support; the stars denote military leadership and the arrow suggests combat readiness. The cactus refers to the unit’s early history as the Cactus Division and the key to its later redesignation to a Support Brigade. The fleur-de-lis and two stars represent World War II combat service in the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe campaigns. The colors blue, white and scarlet also refer to the flag of Iowa, location of the unit’s headquarters.

Background