Working with the other regiments of the division and elements of the Australian Army, the 186th helped overcome difficult resistance by Japanese troops.

[citation needed] Members of the 1st Battalion have also been mobilized to fight forest fires or provide assistance during floods.

The increasing need for troops to supplement active Army missions has also resulted in the first federal mobilization of one of the battalion's rifle companies since World War II.

As a result, Bravo company spent four months near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to provide security for Patriot missile batteries.

[citation needed] As of mid-April 2002, the 1-186th Infantry was preparing to deploy for a six-month rotation and assume peacekeeping duties in the Sinai region of Egypt in July 2002, as part of the U.S. portion of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) mission.

The unit was slated to replace the active-duty 172nd Separate Infantry Brigade out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska, which had originally been tasked to provide one of its battalions for the next MFO rotation.

As of mid-April 2002, the 1-186th was scheduled to train at Fort Carson, CO, for the last of its mobilization requirements in May, and formally assume the U.S. portion of the MFO mission in July.

[citation needed] A Gold color metal and enamel device 1+1⁄8 inches (2.9 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure a tower (with doors partly opened) Argent masoned Or debruised by two dexter arms embowed fessways the forearms in saltire habited in chain armor each hand grasping a sword of the last the swords crossed in saltire.

The two arms interlocked are indicative of military strength, ready to strike at an enemy who endeavors to enter the United States through the "Western Gate" (represented by the gateway in the tower).

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Oregon Army National Guard: On a wreath of the colors Or and Azure, a demi-disc Gules charged with the setting sun with twelve light rays Or (the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 41st Division), behind a beaver sejant Proper.

Motto "Custodes Portae Occidents" (Guardians of the Western Gates) The rose is the general flower of the Northwest.

The two arms interlocked are indicative of military strength, ready to strike at an enemy who endeavors to enter the United States through the "Western Gate" (represented by the gateway in the tower).