FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – The Pennsylvania National Guard’s 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade held re-patching ceremonies at Fort Indiantown Gap July 30, 2018 and at their armory in Scranton Aug. 3 to remove the keystone patch of the 28th Infantry Division and apply the new black horse patch.
The 55th MEB’s shoulder sleeve insignia was redesigned, effective Feb. 22, 2017 and was primarily designed by the 55th MEB’s previous commander, Col. Michael Konzman.
The 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade is a maneuver enhancement unit aligned under the 28th Infantry Division. The 55th MEB was re-designated from the 55th Heavy Brigade Combat Team "strike brigade," subordinate to the 28th ID. It is headquartered in Scranton, PA.
“The 55th MEB, like all MEBs, is a self-contained, modular, and multifunctional support brigade of the United States Army with an ability to plug into operational formations commanded by corps or division commanders, to support brigade combat teams once deployed, and to conduct tactical level tasks and support,” said 55th MEB Command Sgt. Maj. Jon Worley. “MEBs are equipped to provide command and control for up to seven battalions that are capable of owning battlespace in combat.”
The new patch features a black horse on a gold keystone shield edged with a blue border, in a slightly larger size than the former Keystone patch.
Blue and gold are both the unit and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s colors. The keystone shape is also indicative of the unit’s assignment in the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Infantry Division. The black horse is emblematic of the unit’s history as a mounted maneuver brigade as well as signifying strength, agility and loyalty. The patch’s colors are subdued as part of the duty uniform.
The Pennsylvania National Guard’s other three keystone insignia include; The Joint Force Headquarters patch featuring Pennsylvania’s coat of arms in gold on a red background, the 28th Infantry Division’s solid bright red patch, and the 213th Regional Support Group patch featuring symbols representing the unit’s history, Army support and artillery, and the Group’s home of Allentown.
Additionally, several units within the Pennsylvania National Guard fall under the operational control of units in other states and therefore can be seen wearing those units’ insignia.
"Our patch is not a denial of our past but an embracing of our future and the MEB mission," said Col. Edwards Little, 55th MEB commander.
The 55th MEB has a proud history of service that includes participation in World War I, World War II and the Global War on Terror.