Constituted 3 January 2006, Activated 16 September 2007, Redesignated 1 February 2008
Engagements
Operation Enduring Freedom
Insignia
Distinctive Unit Insignia
Helmet Insignia
Military unit
The 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (1st MEB) was a United States Armybrigade located at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The Brigade was tasked to improve the movement capabilities and rear area security for commanders at division level or higher. The Brigade has deployed units for combat operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and for humanitarian assistance in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.
The MEB is a tailored combined arms force with a headquarters staff designed to plan and execute protection, movement and maneuver, and sustainment tasks. It uses its subordinate units within their specialties to conduct maneuver support operations in its area of operations (AO) and within the broader AO of the organization it supports. The MEB provides added security and defense for other units and enhances freedom of action for the supported higher command. The capability to synchronize maneuver support operations and support area operations under the MEB provides a unique set of capabilities to other Army, joint, and multinational elements. Aside from its headquarters element and the organic communications and logistics elements that form the basis for commanding, controlling, and supporting the brigade, the Brigade is a mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, and civil considerations-dependent organization. The MEB leverages the current modular principles and the "plug-and-play" nature of current forces to apply the right force for the mission. Typically, but not exclusively, the MEB is composed of engineer, military police, chemical, air defense, and other units that routinely function together during protection, stability, and support operations.[1]
On 23 February 2015 the U.S. Army Center of Military History authorized the special designation "Guardian Brigade" for the 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.[5][6] The 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade inactivated on 17 August 2015. The 46th Engineer Battalion was assigned to the 20th Engineer BrigadeatFort Bragg. The 519th Military Police Battalion was assigned to the 16th Military Police Brigade at Fort Bragg.
Headquarters and Support Company, 46th Engineer Battalion (reorganized into the Headquarters & Headquarters Company, and the Forward Support Company for the 46th Engineer Battalion)
Company A, 46th Engineer Battalion
11th Patient Administration Detachment
485th Medical Detachment
31st Engineer Detachment (Concrete)
178th Vertical Engineer Company
209th Military Police Company
272nd Military Police Company
83rd Chemical Battalion
Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 83rd Chemical Battalion
Description: A rectangular shape device pointed at base 3 1⁄4 inches (8.26 cm) in height and 2 1⁄4 inches (5.72 cm) in width overall divided per pale golden yellow and teal blue, a silver gray sword palewise point down with a black hilt, on the hilt and upper portion of the blade is a scarlet fusil; all within a 1⁄8 inch (.32 cm) black border.
Symbolism: Teal blue and yellow are associated with Branch Immaterial. Yellow/gold is also emblematic of excellence. Blue is for loyalty and red is for valor and sacrifice. The sword represents the power, honor, and wisdom of the warrior and the combat ready support of the unit. The diamond, epitomizing the essence of invincibility and the cutting edge, highlights the hardened bonds of courage, fidelity, and commitment to the Brigade. The two sections of the shield refer to the two missions to protect both the operational and tactical freedom actions of the supported Force.
Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the 1st Combat Support Brigade (Maneuver Enhancement) effective 16 September 2007. It was redesignated for the 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade on 1 February 2008. (TIOH Drawing Number A-1-931)[13]
Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1⁄16 inches (2.70 cm) in height overall consisting of a sword palewise point down with a black hilt and white blade supporting a shield divided per pale teal blue and gold, on dexter side a red fusil and on the sinister, a teal blue fleur-de-lis; all between two gold laurel branches. Around the top is a black scroll inscribed with ENHANCING THE and around the bottom a black scroll inscribed WARRIOR SPIRIT in gold letters divided by the sword point.
Symbolism: Teal blue is associated with Branch Immaterial and gold is emblematic of excellence and high ideals. Red is for sacrifice and valor. The sword represents the power, honor, and wisdom of the warrior and the combat ready support of the unit. The fleur-de-lis is for Louisiana where the Brigade was activated with its middle section resembling a spearhead denoting martial power and strength. The laurel symbolizes victory and a job well done. The two sections of the shield refer to the two missions to protect both the operational and tactical freedom actions of the supported Force. The diamond, epitomizing the essence of invincibility and the cutting edge, highlights the hardened bonds of courage, fidelity, and commitment to the Brigade.
Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 1st Combat Support Brigade (Maneuver Enhancement) effective 16 September 2007. It was redesignated for the 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade on 1 February 2008. The insignia was amended to correct the height on 22 October 2008.[14]
46th Engineer Battalion (Heavy)
519th Military Police Battalion
83rd Chemical Battalion
88th Brigade Support Battalion
142nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion
