Subordinate Unit History & Heraldry

Each subordinate unit of ASC has their own lineage, history, and heraldry that establishes a unit identity.  Some units follow their history back further than others.  The ASC History Office maintains information pertaining to the heraldry of each subordinate unit's heraldry.  Information about the heraldry, including crests, colors, and flags can be found below.  More detailed information can be obtained by reaching out to the ASC History Office directly.

Subordinate units under the Army's main logistics integrator is nothing new.  Throughout the modern history of commodity commands there has been the presence of some form of forward deployed element of logistics components.  ASC's subordinates generally trace their own lineage back to the days of Combat Equipment Groups (CEG) and Logistics Assistance Offices (LAO).  These provide the genesis for the modern Army Prepositioned Stocks (APS) and Army Field Support Brigades (AFSB).

However, there are many more intricacies involved than just simple lines drawn from point A to point B.  Each brigade and battalion has their own unique history that bridges them from their past to their present and provides the basis and foundation for where they will venture towards in the future.  

In this set of tabs, you will find more information about the Army Field Support Brigades and their Battalions (AFSBn).  

For ASC Organizational History and Lineage, click here.

History

The 401st Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) formally traces its lineage to 16 October 2006 when it was activated as the first Modified Table of Equipment (MTOE) AFSB.  While the 401st has official lineage from 2006, the unit has a longer Table of Distribution & Allowances (TDA) history in Southwest Asia.  The 401st traces its history back to the 1997 activation of the Combat Equipment Group (CEG)-Southwest Asia (SWA), charged with expanding War Reserves in the Persian Gulf Region.

While the unit was building Army Prepositioned Stock (APS) sets in Qatar and Kuwait, it underwent a series of name and organizational changes. CEG-SWA was renamed the Army Materiel Command (AMC) Forward (FWD)-SWA in 2000 when the unit assumed responsibility for the Logistics Assistance Program and LOGCAP in SWA.  The unit began war support operations in SWA in October of 2001 with support to U.S. Forces in Afghanistan.  The HQ moved from Qatar to Kuwait in the Fall of 2002 as part of the ramp up to Operation Iraqi Freedom.  At about the same time, the unit began to be called the AMC Logistics Support Element (LSE)-SWA.  AMC LSE-SWA was re-designated the AFSB-SWA on 1 October 2004.  At the time the AFSB-SWA consisted of the Brigade HQs in Qatar; LSE-Iraq; AFSBn-Qatar; AFSBn-Kuwait; AFSBn-Afghanistan; Logistics Support Activity-Iraq, and prepositioned watercraft at Kuwait Naval Base.

AFSB-SWA was deactivated on 16 October 2006 when the 401st AFSB stood up.  In 2008, the brigade headquarters forward deployed to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.    At that point, the 401st had  AFSBn-Bagram and AFSBn-Kandahar under its control as well as the APS battalions in Kuwait and Qatar.

After arriving in Afghanistan in 2008, the 401st provided support to all U.S. units as well as to Allied forces across Afghanistan.  This support included the fielding of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, the Afghan Surge, and steady support during the slow drawdown of forces.   In 2010, when the 401st AFSB redeployed from Iraq to Kuwait, command and control (C2) of all AMC assets outside of Afghanistan transferred from the 402nd to the 401st allowing the 401st to focus on Afghanistan.  In its last years in Afghanistan the 401st focused on retrograde of non-mission essential equipment from the theater.  

In early 2015, the 401st redeployed to Kuwait.  In July the 401st reassumed command of all ASC assets in SWA as the 402nd redeployed to Hawaii.  Once again, the 401st is the single face to the field for ASC and AMC in SWA.

Despite the challenges, the 401st AFSB continues to be the “First to Make a Difference” for Army forces in SWA.

401st Army Field Support Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI)

Description
A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a buff shield bearing a circle of three black arrows with points clockwise superimpose by a silver hand grasping a sword of the like fesswise point to sinister. Around the sides and bottom of the shield is a blue scroll doubled and inscribed "FIRST TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE" in silver letters.

Symbolism
Buff is the color associated with Army Support. The black arrows in a circular pattern represent the continuous logistical support provided by the Brigade to the Warfighters. The sword symbolizes the unit's ability to project logistical power onto the battlefield. The motto embodies the mind set and dedication of the 401st to the Warfighters; the first priority being to ensure that the Soldiers have everything they need for combat.

401st Army Field Support Brigade Retired Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI)

Description
Approved by the Army Institute of Heraldry on 11 DEC 2006 and rescinded on 21 FEB 2010.  This patch is only presented here for historical purposes.

On a shield 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm) in width overall, divided per pairle white, scarlet and blue, overall a silver gray sword palewise fimbriated white, in chief on either side and encircling the sword point is a green palm frond; all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) golden yellow border.

Symbolism
White, red, and blue and the device partitions are modified from the Army Materiel Command (AMC) shoulder sleeve insignia and carry with it the mission of support and the flow of materiel to the Soldiers.  The inverted chevron or point on the bottom underscores the Brigade being the single point of entry to AMC from the field.  Gold is emblematic of excellence and high ideals.  The sword indicates readiness and support to the Soldiers.  The theater of operation of the Brigade, Southwest Asia, is highlighted by the palm fronds.  The palm frond is an emblem of victory and success.

History

The 402d Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) was officially activated as a Modified Table of Equipment (MTOE) unit on 16 October 2006 at Balad Air Base in Iraq.  While the official lineage of the 402d AFSB started then, for many, the date was just another small change in the evolution of an ever-changing command.  In October 2006, the structure and standing in the Army changed, but not the mission on the ground in Iraq.

In late 2003, nine Logistics Support Elements (LSE) provided operational logistics support to their customers in Iraq.  All nine LSEs were under the command and control (C2) of the LSE-Southwest Asia (SWA) in Kuwait.  However, LSE-SWA was also responsible for all other Army Materiel Command (AMC) operations in SWA, and the mission had already outpaced an effective span of control.  LSE-Iraq was established in late May 2003 to provide mission command for all LSEs in Iraq.  The unit was established in Logistics Support Area-Anaconda, also known as Balad Air Base, in order to be centrally located as well as co-located with the Corpse Support Command headquarters.  LSE-Iraq took an administrative burden off LSE-SWA allowing LSE-SWA to focus on AMC industrial operations in Iraq as well as all AMC operations in Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan.

As the Iraq theater matured, the missions of LSE-Iraq expanded.  By September 2003, CECOM and TACOM had forward repair activities in Iraq, with the largest concentration in Balad.  These forward units remained under the C2 of LSE-SWA.  In late 2004, Logistics Support Activity-Iraq was established to provide C2 on Balad for these units.  At the same time, AMC was increasing support to the Army in Iraq with the establishment of up-armoring programs and retrofit.  At times, these activities competed with the LSEs in Iraq for space.  Diverging chains of command further confused the situation on the ground.  In January 2005, LSE-Iraq was transformed and renamed AFSB-Iraq.  In addition to the name change, AFSB-Iraq also assumed C2 of all AMC operations in Iraq, re-establishing a single point of entry for all AMC operations in Iraq.  In 2005, AFSB-Iraq's mission set continued to grow with the addition of the Retrograde Property Accounting Team (RPAT), Theater Property Book, and Route Clearance Support.  In October 2006, the 402d AFSB was activated in Balad assuming all of the mission sets of the AFSB-Iraq.  The 402d continued to execute all AMC missions in Iraq, including transitioning to retrograde operations in 2009 as the Army began to withdraw from Iraq and shift focus to Afghanistan.  In 2010, the 402d AFSB assumed responsibility for AFSBns Kuwait and Qatar, giving it control over the entire retrograde process and freeing up the 401st AFSB to concentrate on the Afghanistan surge.  The 402d AFSB also assumed direct responsibility for the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) operations in Iraq and Kuwait.

The unit shifted headquarters to Kuwait in 2011 as force structure in Iraq further drew down.  On 3 August 2015, the 402d officially moved to Hawaii.  Today, the 402d provides direct support to U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) forces throughout the U.S. India-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) area of responsibility.

No matter the location, the 402d AFSB continues to provide "Readiness Power Forward."

402nd Army Field Support Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI)

Description
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield divided per pairle, white, red, and blue, in chief between seven gold mullets, four and three, a gold hand grasping a sword of the like fesswise point to sinister; in dexter a gold terrestrial globe with gridlines and in sinister a gold lightning bolt bend sinisterwise.  Enclosing the shield is a blue scroll doubled gold with "READINESS POWER" across the top and "FORWARD" across the bottom in gold letters.

Symbolism
The red, blue, and white background represents the parent command, Army Materiel Command (AMC), providing the Brigade the assets it needs to maintain a constant state of readiness.  The sword signifies the Brigade's ability to project logistical power onto the battlefield.  The globe highlights the Brigade's capability to deploy forward to support worldwide missions.  The seven stars underscore the seven continents of the world wherein the Brigade can serve.  The lightning bolt symbolizes the speed at which the Brigade integrates new technologies and logistics onto the battlefield.  The motto reflects the valor and bravery that the unit brings to the fight and is the fiber that binds the unit together as a combat multiplier.

402nd Army Field Support Brigade Retired Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI)

Description
Approved by the Army Institute of Heraldry on 11 DEC 2006 and rescinded on 21 FEB 2010.  This patch is only presented here for historical purposes.

A shield shape device arced at top 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm) in width overall, divided per pairle white, scarlet and blue, overall a silver gray sword palewise fimbriated white below an arc of three green mullets; all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) golden yellow border.

Symbolism
White, red, and blue and the device partitions are modified from the Army Materiel Command (AMC) shoulder sleeve insignia and carry with it the mission of support and the flow of materiel to the Soldiers.  The inverted chevron or point on the bottom underscores the Brigade being the single point of entry to AMC from the field.  Gold is emblematic of excellence and high ideals.  The sword indicates readiness and support to the Soldiers.  The theater of operation of the Brigade, Iraq, is highlighted by the adaptation of the three green stars from the Iraqi Flag.

At the time the DUI was approved, the 402d AFSB was still stationed in Iraq.  This patch had already been retired by the time the 402d had made its move to its current home at Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

History

The 403d Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) was activated in South Korea on 16 October 2007.  However, while newly designated as a Modified Table of Equipment (MTOE) unit, the organization has a much longer history of coordinating Army Materiel Command (AMC) support to forces on the Korean peninsula.  In 1967, the AMC Customer Assistance Office (CAO)-Korea was opened in Seoul.  In 1972, the CAO in Korea was renamed the Logistics Assistance Office (LAO)-Far East (FE).  LAO-FE was responsible for technical assistance, wholesale supply support, management of modification work orders, and select item management for all Army units in USARPAC.  This small office was headed by a Colonel and augmented as required with civilian technical representatives from AMC’s major subordinate commands.  In the late 1970s, a variety of different AMC activities were established in Korea that did not report to the LAO-FE.  This fragmented AMC focus in Korea.

In 1986, the AMC Forward (FWD)-Far East was established replacing the LAO-FE.  Their primary mission was to coordinate all AMC activities in the Far East.  Consolidated directly under AMC FWD-FE were the Depot Support Activity (DSA)-FE, Test Measurement & Diagnostic Equipment, LAO-FE, the Logistics Assistance Program (LAP) Senior Command Representatives, the Science and Technology Center-FE, and the Science Advisor.  However, by the mid 1990s, AMC FWD-FE had again become fragmented.  AMC-Logistics Support Element (LSE)-FE was established in 1995 to correct that.  In 2000, that headquarters was assigned to U.S.  Army Operations Support Command (OSC), the precursor to ASC.  One mission the Headquarters was charged with was to centralize coordination of all AMC operations in the theater —or providing the warfighter “one face to the field.”   The Depot Support Activity (DSA)-FE and Combat Equipment Battalion (CEB)-FE began reporting to AMC-FE in 2000.  During 2001, the name of the command returned to AMC FWD-FE.

On 1 May 2005, AMC FWD-FE was re-designated as AFSB-FE.  In conjunction with the ongoing transformation of Army forces, AFSB-FE restructured its Logistics Assistance Office’s into LSEs and Brigade Logistics Support Teams (BLST) in order to provide modular support to the Eighth Army.  On 16 October 2007, AFSB-FE was disestablished and, in its place, the 403d AFSB was activated as an MTOE unit.  In the succeeding years, the 403d added responsibility: LOGCAP operations in the Pacific, the watercraft mission in Yokohama, and AMC functions in Japan, Guam, and Okinawa.  Additionally, the 403rd has responsibility for Logistics Readiness Centers (LRC) located at Camp Casey, Daegu, Honshu, Okinawa and Yongsan.

The 403d continues to provide dedicated support to the theater’s warfighters while maintaining the necessary coverage required due to resource constraints and geographical dispersion, thus “Maintaining the Warriors.”

403rd Army Field Support Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI)

Description
On a gold color metal and enamel disc 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in diameter consisting of a disc at center with a sun emitting rays and rising from the sea, all gold, overall a red Torii Gate; all encircled by a black border inscribed with "MAINTAINING" around the top and "THE WARRIORS" around the bottom between two stars, dexter star is above a curved line and the sinister star is below a curved line (the lines are curved in the manner of the partition line on the Taeguk), all gold; all enclosed by a border divided in the manner of a Taeguk with red on top and blue on bottom.

Symbolism
Gold is emblematic of excellence and high achievement. The Brigade provides all operational level logistics support to our forces in the Far East and acts as the Army Material Command single point of entry. The black and gold of the motto band highlights the Army. The contrast of black with gold also underscores the night and day, around the clock mission of the Brigade to be in a constant state of readiness. Korea is represented by the Taeguk configuration of the border of the device and Japan, the Torii Gate. The gate with the rising sun over the ocean (Pacific) also focuses on the Far East where the unit was activated.

403rd Army Field Support Brigade Retired Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI)

Description
Approved by the Army Institute of Heraldry on 16 OCT 2008 and rescinded on 21 FEB 2010.  This patch is only presented here for historical purposes.

A shield shape device 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm) in width overall, divided per pairle white, scarlet and blue, overall a silver gray sword palewise fimbriated white with its tip superimposing in chief a wavy bar in the manner of the partition line on the Taeguk and divided per fess Gules and Azure, in dexter chief a Torteau; all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) golden yellow border.

Symbolism
The white, scarlet, and blue background represents the parent command, Army Materiel Command (AMC). The inverted chevron shape underscores the Brigade being the single point of entry to AMC in the region of the Far East as the organization provides logistics support to all units in Korea, Japan, and the Far East. The wavy line alludes to the colors and partition line of the Taeguk of the Korean Flag. The wavy bar also represents a wave of the vast Pacific and looking towards the Far East to the rising sun. The red disc is adapted from the Japanese Flag, "Land of the Rising Sun." Korea and Japan are the locations of the Brigade elements. The sword represents readiness and support to the forward deployed Army units in Asia.

History

The 404th Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) was activated as a Modified Table of Equipment (MTOE) unit on 16 October 2008.  Their initial mission was to manage all Logistics Assistance Programs (LAP), Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) and RESET missions as the single point of entry to Army Materiel Command (AMC) for units on the Pacific Rim, excluding units in Korea.  The mission stretch covered the Western seaboard as far inland at Fort Irwin and Fort Huachuca. 

Like all other AFSBs, the 404th has a back history as a Table of Distribution & Allowances (TDA) unit.  In Fiscal Year (FY) 2003 Logistics Support Element (LSE)-Forward (FWD) Stryker was established at Fort Lewis, Washington as a subordinate of AMC Continental U.S. (CONUS).  The LSE-FWD Stryker organized the first Stryker LSE and prepared to deploy to Southwest Asia (SWA).  During FY2004 LSE-FWD Stryker was reorganized as AMC FWD Stryker and assigned as a direct subordinate of the Army Field Support Command (AFSC).  AMC FWD Stryker was critical to developing doctrine, policy, and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) for the support of Stryker units. 

In FY2004 AMC FWD Stryker developed the Operational Tracking System (OPTRAKS) system to manage logistics actions and personnel accountability of the heavily contractor supported Stryker brigades. In FY2005 the mission of AMC Forward Stryker was expanded to provide C2 of the Logistics Assistance Program (LAP) in the Pacific Rim. On 15 Aug. 2005 AMC Forward Stryker was renamed the AFSB-Pacific. 

The AFSB-Pacific’s new mission statement significantly expanded the area of responsibility and mission support requirements.  The new command emphasis was RESET, Pre-deployment Training and Preparation, and Transformation of the 25th Infantry Division (ID), 45th Corps Support Group (now 8th Theater Support Command (TSC)), and separate units of United States Army Hawaii.  The AFSB-Pacific also continued to manage the generation and training of LSEs for new Stryker brigades. 

During FY05 AFSB-Pacific began to create the first Brigade Logistics Support Teams (BLST) to further meet the needs of the transforming Army to a brigade centric organization.  In October 2007 the AFSB-Pacific was renamed the 404th AFSB-Pacific (Provisional) in anticipation of the 2008 conversion to MTOE. 

By 2007 the brigade was completely involved in RESET and ARFORGEN and had expanded to include responsibility for the Army Field Support Battalions (AFSBn) in Hawaii, Alaska, and Fort Lewis and LSEs at Fort Irwin, Fort Huachuca and Fort Wainwright.  On 1 October 2012 the 404th AFSB assumed command and control (C2) of six Logistics Readiness Centers (LRC) and on 1 October 2013 assumed C2 of three additional LRCs, giving the 404th AFSB C2 over all LRCs within its footprint. 

Today, the brigade is aligned with I Corps but operates from coast to coast, from Joint-Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) to Army Prepositioned Stocks (APS)-3 at AFSBn-Charleston.  The unit also controls LRCs across the Northern tier in the US including Rock Island Arsenal (RIA), Fort McCoy, Fort Devens, Natick Soldier Systems Center and others.  Despite the many name changes and mission growth the 404th AFSB has remained true to its motto and continues to “Sustain to Win.”

404th Army Field Support Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI)

Description
A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield divided per pale red and blue, overall and between two yellow lightning bolts pilewise, a white pile edged at the top with the summit of Mount Rainier charged with a blue mullet of four points; around the sides and bottom of the device is a black tripartite scroll inscribed with "SUSTINERE AD VICTURUS" in silver letters.

Symbolism
Red, white, and blue reflect the Army Materiel Command (AMC) colors. The Brigade provides logistics support to all units in the Far West and Pacific Northwest. The mountain is in the shape of Mount Rainier and signifies the headquarters at Fort Lewis. The inverted chevron shape with the arrow point underscores the Brigade being the single point of entry to AMC from the field. The lightning bolts represent the main tactical unit, the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii and the Polaris or North Star highlights the units stationed in Alaska. The North Star also denotes leadership, guidance, and the Brigade never losing focus of their mission. The motto which translates to "Sustain To Win" emphasizes the mission of the unit to assist in preparing the units in their area of operation for all contingency missions.

404th Army Field Support Brigade Retired Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI)

Description
Approved by the Army Institute of Heraldry on 16 OCT 2008 and rescinded the following year.  This patch is only presented here for historical purposes.

A shield shape device 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm) in width overall, divided per pairle white, scarlet and blue, overall a silver gray sword palewise fimbriated white, in chief a stylized blue outline of the Mount Rainier summit embellished with silver gray on either side, in dexter a yellow lightning bolt bendwise and in sinister seven white stars in the configuration of the Big Dipper; all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) golden yellow border.

Symbolism
White, red, and blue and the device partitions are modified from the Army Materiel Command (AMC) shoulder sleeve insignia and carry with it the mission of support and the flow of materiel to the soldiers. The inverted chevron shape underscores the Brigade being the single point of entry to AMC from the field. The sword indicates readiness and support to the soldiers. The Brigade provides logistics support to all units in the Far West and Pacific Northwest. The mountain is in the shape of Mount Rainier and signifies the headquarters at Fort Lewis. The lightning bolt represents the main tactical unit, the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii and the Big Dipper highlights the units stationed in Alaska.

History

The 405th Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) was activated on 16 October 2008 in Seckenheim, Germany.  In 2009 the headquarters moved to Kaiserslautern.  The 405th AFSB provides theater sustainment; synchronizes acquisition, logistics and technology; and leverages the Army Materiel Command (AMC) Materiel Enterprise to support Joint Forces in the European theater of operations.  In addition, the 405th is responsible for AMC emerging missions in U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).

The 405th AFSB unofficial history stretches long before October 2008.  In July 1982, Development and Readiness Command (DARCOM)-Europe was established as a one-star command.  DARCOM had 39 activities in Europe, to include fielding teams, forward depots, Research & Development (R&D), science and technology teams, and the Logistics Assistance Program (LAP). The role of DARCOM-Europe, called AMC-Europe after 1984, was to provide command and control of all AMC assets in Europe, manage LAP, interface with U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) headquarter and senior logistics elements in Europe, manage equipment fielding, and better utilize AMC contractor facilities.  These missions are much the same as current missions.

The AMC-Forward concept continued in Europe into the 1990s, although the command position was reduced to colonel in a later reorganization.  However, over time the command and control (C2) role was reduced, and the commodity commands and Program Managers reestablished greater independence.  After Desert Storm the War Reserve in Europe was transferred from USAREUR to AMC’s Industrial Operations Command (IOC). In 2000 the IOC became the Operations Support Command (OSC). As part of that change, OSC assumed control of AMC-Europe.  OSC was charged with creating an “AMC Single Face to the Field” in a recreation of the original role of AMC-Europe.  

In 2004 war reserve in Europe were merged into AMC-Europe.   In 2004 AMC-Europe was redesignated as the AFSB-Europe.  The name change was designed to gain the senior AMC officer in Europe more recognition as a brigade level commander and greater access to senior commanders in Europe.  In October 2007 the unit was provisionally renamed the 405th AFSB-Europe as a Table of Distribution & Allowances (TDA) unit and then activated as the Modified Table of Equipment (MTOE) 405th AFSB a year later.

Today the 405th AFSB acts as the AMC Single point of entry for all units in Europe and manages AMC and Army Sustainment Command (ASC) missions in Europe and Africa. The brigade is in command of four battalions (AFSBn), AFSBn-Africa, AFSBn-Benelux, AFSBn-Germany and AFSBn-Poland; Army Prepositioned Stocks (APS); Logistics Support Teams (LST) providing direct support to Brigade Combat Teams (BCT), Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) and to U.S. Army Africa (USARAF); LSTs East and West, providing direct support on an area  basis to Army separate reportable units in Europe; and all Logistics Readiness Centers (LRCs) in Europe. As a coordinator of AMC missions and executor of ASC missions the 405th continues to Support the Soldier - Fulcio Bellatoris! 

405th Army Field Support Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI)

Description
On a Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a disc divided per fess wavy Or and Azure bearing a tower of the first charged with an escutcheon blazoned as follows: "Party per pairle Argent, Gules, and Azure." All encircled by a Black designation band inscribed with "FULCIO BELLATORIS" between two lightning bolts; in base surmounting the tower and designation band is an olive wreath all Gold; overall in pale a Black sword.

Symbolism
Red, white, and blue reflect the Army Materiel Command (AMC) colors. Gold is emblematic of excellence and high achievement. The Brigade provides all operational level logistics support to forces in Europe and acts as the AMC single point of entry. The olive branch and arrow are symbolic of logistics support in both peace and war. The lightning bolts represent rapid support to the soldiers and units. The castle tower with the blue alluding to the famous rivers of Europe and the water of the castle's moat, symbolizes defense and strength and refers to the European Theater of Operations. The sword represents the constant state of readiness. The contrast of black with the lighter colors of the device highlights the night and day, around the clock mission of the Brigade. The motto translates to "Support The Warrior."

405th Army Field Support Brigade Retired Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI)

Description
Approved by the Army Institute of Heraldry on 27 OCT 2008 and rescinded the following year.  This patch is only presented here for historical purposes.

A shield shape device 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm) in width overall, divided per pairle white, scarlet and blue, overall a silver gray sword palewise fimbriated white, in chief two black lightning bolts pilewise issuing from top of device, in dexter base a green olive branch bendwise and in sinister base a clutch of three white arrows bend sinisterwise; all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) golden yellow border.

Symbolism
The white, scarlet, and blue background represents the parent Command, Army Materiel Command (AMC). The sword symbolizes the constant state of readiness. The Brigade provides logistics support to all units in the European Theater. The olive branch and arrows are symbolic of logistics support in both peace and war. The lightning bolts represent rapid support to the soldiers and units. They come together almost at a point alluding to an arrow head which underscores the Brigade being the AMC single point of entry in the region. The contrast of black and white of the device alludes to the night and day, around the clock mission of the Brigade.

History

The 406th Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) was activated on 16 October 2007 and is one of the newest organizations in Army Sustainment Command (ASC) with less prehistory than the other AFSBs.

In 2005, the Army approved creating AFSB’s in the Continental U.S. (CONUS) to provide the same kinds of service that was being provided overseas.  In the Spring of 2005, this   concept was put into action with the creation of the Table of Distribution & Allowances (TDA) AFSBs CONUS-East (E) and CONUS-West (W).  AFSB-CONUS-E stood up in March of 2005 and was responsible for enhancing the readiness of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Army reserve component east of the Mississippi River.  The original commander of AFSB-CONUS-E was also the Commander of Combat Equipment Group (CEG)-Afloat (A) at Charleston, South Carolina.  

The commander transitioned his headquarters to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) while CEG-A was reduced to a battalion command equivalent and then shifted to civilian leadership.  Despite mission accomplishments, AFSB-CONUS-E had limits because it was officially a non-deployable TDA unit, despite deploying in support of relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina.  This changed in October of 2007 when AFSB-CONUS-E was deactivated and the Modified Table of Equipment (MTOE) 406th AFSB stood up in its place.

The Commander, 406th AFSB represents Army Materiel Command (AMC) as the primary logistics leader responsible for integration and synchronization of all acquisition, logistics and technology actions into a single effort to enhanced and support the peacetime mission and war fighting capabilities of the U.S. Army across the command footprint.  The 406th assumed operational control of the Directorates of Logistics (DOL) in its footprint and now synchronizes all logistics on the installations and workloads the sources of repair critical to resetting units in the Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) process.

The 406th AFSB is at the cutting edge of Army logistics transformation and is creating new logistics history every day while providing “Steadfast Support” to the units it supports.

406th Army Field Support Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI)

Description
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield divided per chevron white and blue, in chief a red pile, overall in chief a gold eagle with wings displayed and inverted; in base between six mullets, three and three, a sword point to base and a key ward to base saltirewise all gold superimposed by a black bomb flamant Proper. Around the base of the shield is a blue scroll inscribed "STEADFAST SUPPORT" in gold letters.

Symbolism
White, red, and blue reflect the Army Materiel Command (AMC) colors and carry with it the mission of support and flow of materiel to units in the Continental United States. The eagle signifies strength, action, and loyalty. The flaming bomb, sword, and key are modified from the Ordnance and Quartermaster branch insignia to represent the supply and maintenance support provided to all units. The six stars mark the unit as the 406th.

406th Army Field Support Brigade Retired Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI)

Description
Approved by the Army Institute of Heraldry on 16 OCT 2007 and rescinded the following year.  This patch is only presented here for historical purposes.

A shield shape device 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm) in width overall, divided per pairle white, scarlet and blue, overall a silver gray sword palewise fimbriated white, on either side of the sword point are three golden yellow mullets, two and one, radiating from fess point, in chief a golden yellow eagle with wings displayed and inverted; all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) golden yellow border.

Symbolism
White, red, and blue and the device partitions are modified from the Army Materiel Command (AMC) shoulder sleeve insignia and carry with it the mission of support and the flow of materiel to the soldiers. The inverted chevron pointing to base underscores the Brigade being the single point of entry to AMC from the field. The sword indicates readiness and support to the soldiers. The eagle represents speed, action, and loyalty as well as the Continental United States focus of the unit. The six stars mark the unit as the 406th.

History

The 407th Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) was activated as a Modified Table of Equipment (MTOE) unit on 16 October 2007 at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Texas.  Prior to that date, the 407th saw 32 months of service since March 2005 as the AFSB-Continental U.S. (CONUS)-West (W), a Table of Distribution & Allowances (TDA) unit with similar missions. AFSB-CONUS-W was initially responsible for enhancing the readiness of active Army, Army Reserve and National Guard units west of the Mississippi River, except those in Washington State. 

In late 2005 AFSB-CONUS-W deployed in support of humanitarian relief operations following Hurricane Katrina. Also, in 2007 Logistics Support Element (LSE) Fort Carson was converted to the first Army Field Support Battalion (AFSBn). After the October 2007 activation as MTOE, the 407th AFSB continued the mission in the area of responsibility (AOR). In 2010 the unit began calling itself ‘the Mighty 407th.  

In October 2012, the Mighty 407th AFSB gained mission command of its eight assigned Directorates of Logistics (DOL), which grew to 10 DOLs in 2013. In October 2013, the DOL “name” was changed to the Logistics Readiness Center (LRC) per direction from the Army Materiel Command (AMC). 

The Mighty 407th Army Field Support Brigade continues to be a critical element in Army Logistics transformation and is a key enabler of the Army’s 2020 Global Logistics structure. The 407th AFSB’s primary area of operation is 13 states located in the old CONUS-W region, and the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) AOR.  The mission of the 407th is accomplished through four AFSBns, 13 LRCs, and multiple Division Logistics Support Elements (DLSE) and a Corps Logistics Support Element (CLSE) that include the integration of Logistics Assistance Representatives (LARs) each of the Life Cycle Management Commands (LCMC). 

Since its provisional activation, the 407th has supported major Army units deploying in support of operations in Southwest Asia (SWA). The 407th AFSB has also provided Defense Support to Civil Authorities such as Department of Defense Humanitarian efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and provided DOL assistance to multiple tornado and wildfire relief efforts. In October 2015, Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, Redstone Arsenal, Soto Cano, Honduras, was aligned under the 407th AFSB. 

In recent years, the 407th has played an active role in brigade deployments in support of Regionally Aligned Forces in Korea, Kuwait, and most recently in Eastern Europe. Each summer (except COVID-19 restricted 2020) the 407th directly supports the U.S. Army Cadet Command’s (USACC) training program at Fort Knox, providing food, fuel, maintenance and transportation support to thousands of cadets and cadre. The 407th plays a key role in support of the Army Agile Process, which features the integration and maturation of the Army’s tactical network through semiannual Network Integration Evaluations in conjunction with the Joint Modernization Command (JMC), Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), Programs Manager System of Systems Integration, and the 1st Armored Division (AD). 

Suscipio Militis “Support the Soldiers”

407th Army Field Support Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI)

Description
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a stylized horseshoe, toe to base, divided per pairle white, red, and blue enclosing a gold laurel wreath, overall a black sword and in chief a blue mullet; "SUSCIPIO" is inscribed on the red section of the horseshoe and "MILITIS," on the blue section of the horseshoe in gold letters.

Symbolism
Red, white, and blue reflect the Army Materiel Command colors. The horseshoe is symbolic of the West and the tradition of support to soldiers across the western frontier. The laurel leaves signify victory. Gold is emblematic of excellence and high ideals. The sword indicates readiness and support to the soldiers. The fifteen leaves on each branch represent each state supported by the Brigade. The blue star represents the headquarters in Texas as well as the North Star. The sword points towards the North Star to highlight the Brigade never losing focus of the mission. The motto translates to "Support The Soldiers."

407th Army Field Support Brigade Retired Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI)

Description
Approved by the Army Institute of Heraldry on 16 OCT 2007 and rescinded the following year.  This patch is only presented here for historical purposes.

A shield shape device 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm) in width overall, divided per pairle white, scarlet and blue, overall a silver gray sword palewise fimbriated white at the blade tip, a blue mullet in chief; all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) golden yellow border.

Symbolism
White, red, and blue and the device partitions are modified from the Army Materiel Command (AMC) shoulder sleeve insignia and carry with it the mission of support and the flow of materiel to the soldiers. The inverted chevron underscores the Brigade being the single point of entry to AMC from the field. Gold is emblematic of excellence and high ideals. The sword indicates readiness and support to the soldiers. The single star represents the star of Texas, where the unit is headquartered, and the North Star as a symbol of guidance and direction to mission accomplishment in supporting soldiers.