Engineer Memoirs_________________________________________________________
Ceremonial Home of the Corps. The home of the Corps would be at the location of the USAES,
currently Fort Belvoir, passing to Fort Leonard Wood when the school and proponency moves in
1989. Location of the ceremonial home at the Engineer Center and School would maintain the tie to
the active Army at the place where (after consolidation) each soldier, officer and enlisted, received
his/her qualification training.
Colors. Corps of Engineers colors will be designated in coordination with the Institute of Heraldry
and maintained at the ceremonial "Corps" home.
Crest. A crest for the Corps of Engineers as a "Corps" (as separate from MACOM) will be
designated in coordination with the Institute of Heraldry. Affiliation--joining the "Corps"--would
be recognized by presentation of the "Corps of Engineers" crest at AIT graduation, warrant officer
appointment ceremony, and EOBC graduation. Persons entering the "Corps" by other means (branch
transfer, reclassification) will have their crest presented at an appropriate ceremony. This is similar
to the British presentation when the engineer becomes a "Royal" engineer.
Leaders of the Corps. The "Corps" ceremonial leaders would be the incumbent Chief of Engineers
and the CSM to the Chief of Engineers. They would be assisted by Distinguished Members of the
Regiment chosen from active and retired officers and noncommissioned officers chosen for that
purpose.
Battalions. Battalions will be highlighted throughout "Corps of Engineers" museums, publications,
and in the mess (e.g., Crests in the Castle Room, Fort Belvoir Officer Mess should go to Fort
Leonard Wood). Battalions will be encouraged to develop ways to portray the battalions historical
accomplishments through individual museums and literature. Battalion crests will be worn when
serving in the battalion. In recognition of the strong battalion affiliation of engineers, engineer
officer and enlisted soldiers would continue to wear branch collar insignia with battalion numerals
after leaving a battalion (as permitted for regimental affiliation--would require exception to policy
but appropros to the Engineer Force. Assigned battalion collar insignias will take precedence when
serving in a battalion. Battalion leadership will foster that the strength of the "Corps" is to be found
in its accomplishments by its many diverse battalions, historical lineage of the battalion and the
significance of the battalion as part of its parent Division (or Brigade or other association).
Conclusion; By establishing the "Corps of Engineers" as the bonding affiliation entity for engineers
yet retaining maximum identification of individuals with the "Corps" basic fighting unit, the
battalion, we have a solution that
--maximizes historical ties
--is realistic to today's Army
--provides affiliation opportunities
--is inclusive, no one is excluded
B-4
Previous Page
