Before, during, and following its activation, the brigade and its subordinate battalions have been very active, deploying individuals and units to support the Iraq War's Operation Iraqi Freedom, airspace defense of the National Capital Region, and the combined Hungary-United States Operational Mentor and Liaison Team.

The Nike Hercules missile was the weapon last employed in the ground-based air defense of the United States Homeland and represents the Brigade's resumption of this mission.

A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield per fess wavy, the chief per pale Argent and Sable, the base Gules, a demi-missile in pale of the first (Silver Gray) issuing from a demi-annulet of the first in base, in fess three wavy barrulets Azure; in dexter chief a lightning bolt bendwise of the second and in sinister chief a lightning bolt bend sinisterwise of the first.

The white on black and vice versa further emphasizes the unit's motto which translates to "Anytime, Anywhere" and the day and night, around the clock role of the soldier.

The silver missile cutting through the blue bars is symbolic of the primary mission of the organization to maintain clear skies.