91st Civil Affairs Battalion Army Crest Patch

91st Civil Affairs Battalion (U.S. Army) 3.5" x 3.5" Embroidered Patch with Iron-On Backing

Superior Materials: Made with premium polyester thread and durable twill fabric, ensuring long-lasting color and strength.

Advanced Embroidery Technology: Crafted using the most advanced embroidery machinery, guaranteeing intricate detail, sharp lines, and consistent quality every time.

Easy Iron-On Application: Features a heat-activated adhesive backing for quick, no-sew attachment. Simply position, iron, and press for a secure bond.

Versatile Use: Perfect for personalizing jackets, backpacks, uniforms, or any fabric surface that needs a touch of personality. (Too large for a hat)

Durable and Washable: Designed to withstand everyday wear and occasional washing without fading or fraying.

Unit Formation and Purpose

The 91st Civil Affairs Battalion traces its roots to June 25, 1969, when it was constituted as the 1st Civil Affairs Battalion and activated on Okinawa. Its original purpose was to provide specialized civil-military support across Southeast Asia, helping to bridge the gap between military operations and civilian needs in complex environments. After a period of inactivation, it was redesignated as the 91st Civil Affairs Battalion in 2006 and reactivated at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on March 16, 2009[1][4].

Civil Affairs units like the 91st are unique: they operate at the intersection of military power and civilian life, tasked with restoring order, rebuilding infrastructure, and fostering stability in war-torn or unstable regions. Their mission is to win hearts and minds, often working hand-in-hand with local leaders, NGOs, and U.S. government agencies to build lasting peace.

Leadership

While the specific battalion commanders over the years are less publicized, Major Matthew Ziglar stands out as a company commander who led his soldiers through harrowing circumstances in Afghanistan[3]. The battalion’s leadership is known for fostering a culture of adaptability, diplomacy, and courage-traits essential for the unpredictable environments where Civil Affairs teams operate.

Notable Missions and Operations

Southeast Asia and the Pacific:** The battalion’s early years included service in Okinawa and support across Southeast Asia, earning the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation for operations in July-August 1972[1][4].

Global War on Terror: Since its reactivation, the 91st has deployed extensively to Afghanistan and Africa. In Afghanistan, teams repaired infrastructure, coordinated humanitarian aid, and built relationships with local communities under fire[3].

Northwest Africa: The 91st has become deeply tied to missions in the Sahel and Northwest Africa, supporting U.S. Special Operations Task Forces. Their work has included exposing extremist funding networks, building indigenous governance, and forging enduring partnerships with local governments-often in the face of insurgency and instability[2].

Stories of Heroism

The battalion’s history is rich with acts of valor. During a deployment to Afghanistan, SFC Marius Orhon received the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, while SGT Erik Crouch and SGT Ryan Schloesser were awarded Bronze Star Medals with Valor. Crouch, a medic, distinguished himself when his group was ambushed by the Taliban-laying down suppressive fire, shielding wounded comrades, providing lifesaving care under fire, and ensuring their evacuation to safety[3].

“He put himself between the injuries and the enemy in order to care for these soldiers, bring them back in and provide medical care for them, and then additionally, transport them to a helicopter when it arrived so they could be medically evacuated.” - Major Matthew Ziglar[3]

Legacy and Honors

Decorations: Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation (July-August 1972)[1][4]
Enduring Impact: The 91st is recognized for its ability to integrate military, governmental, and civil society efforts. Its teams are often the first to build trust and the last to leave, leaving behind stronger institutions and more resilient communities[2].

Interesting Facts

Distinctive Insignia: The battalion’s emblem features a torii gate (honoring its Okinawa roots), a winged crossbeam (airborne capability), and an open scroll (symbolizing law, order, and active civil affairs work). The unsheathed sword represents authority, and the purple and white colors are traditional for Civil Affairs units[1][4].

Veterinary Outreach: In 2011, a 91st CA Battalion veterinarian was documented estimating the age of a camel in Chad, exemplifying the unit’s unconventional and far-reaching missions[4].

Command Aspirations: The 91st has been recommended to lead Special Operations Task Forces in Africa, reflecting its growing reputation for operational excellence and interagency coordination[2].

The 91st Civil Affairs Battalion stands as a testament to the Army’s commitment to not just win wars, but to secure the peace that follows. Its soldiers are diplomats, warriors, and builders-often all in the same day-earning respect wherever they serve.

Sources
[1] 91st Civil Affairs Battalion Lineage and Honors - ARSOF History https://arsof-history.org/lineage_and_honors/ca_91st_bn.html
[2] IT IS TIME FOR CIVIL AFFAIRS TO LEAD SPECIAL OPERATIONS ... https://www.civilaffairsassoc.org/post/it-is-time-for-civil-affairs-to-lead-special-operations-in-northwest-africa
[3] Three Fort Bragg Soldiers Receive Medals - WUNC https://www.wunc.org/military/2010-12-03/three-fort-bragg-soldiers-receive-medals
[4] [PDF] CIVIL AFFAIRS - ARSOF History https://arsof-history.org/pdf/handbook_civil_affairs.pdf
[5] 95th Civil Affairs Brigade - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/95th_Civil_Affairs_Brigade
[6] Lineage and Honors of the U.S. Army Special Operations https://arsof-history.org/lineage_and_honors/index.html
[7] 91st Cyber Brigade - Virginia National Guard https://va.ng.mil/Army-Guard/91st-Cyber/
[8] 91st Civil Support Team https://dema.az.gov/Joint-Task-Force-Arizona/91st-civil-support-team
[9] [PDF] On the way! The story of the 91st Division Artillery https://digicom.bpl.lib.me.us/context/ww_reg_his/article/1030/viewcontent/Optimized_On_the_Way_The_Story_of_the_91st_Division_Artillery.pdf
[10] [PDF] ca support to conventional units in the surge https://jfsc.ndu.edu/Portals/72/Documents/JC2IOS/Additional_Reading/1E2_Lightsey-Civil_Affairs_Support_to_the_Surge.pdf
[11] Civil Affairs - U.S. Army Center of Military History https://history.army.mil/Unit-History/Lineage-and-Honors-Information/Civil-Affairs/
[12] 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (Airborne) - usasoc https://www.soc.mil/95th/95thhomepage.html
[13] U.S. Army Reserve > Commands > Functional > USACAPOC ... https://www.usar.army.mil/Commands/Functional/USACAPOC/USACAPOC-Leaders/