Active 2009 - Present Brigade Commander COL Troy Phillips | Deputy Commander LTC Michael Beierman | |
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Type Maneuver Enhancement Brigade | ||
The 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade is a maneuver enhancement brigade of the United States Army National Guard in Illinois.
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Formerly the 404th Chemical Brigade, this unit is transforming into organization tailored to support the maneuver and security of a Division-level headquarters. The Brigade comprises Engineer, Chemical, and Military Police, as well as Signal and Support units.
The Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) is a relatively new formation within the US Army. It is primarily designed to provide maneuver support to its assigned headquarters with a mix of technical expertise and combat power. However, the structure of a MEB also makes it ideal for consequence management in response to domestic disasters. The MEB's mix of Chemical, Engineer, and Military Police units provides it with the capability to support governmental organizations in chemical/biological/nuclear decontamination, law enforcement support, or infrastructure repair and restoration.
History
The 404th traces its history to the 404th Chemical Brigade, the first Chemical Brigade activated into the Army National Guard force structure. The 404th Chemical Brigade was formed in 1990 and originally stationed in Rockford, Illinois. The unit subsequently moved to Machesney Park, Illinois where it remained until its deactivation in 1997. In 2001, the 404th was reactivated and stationed in Chicago, Illinois. In 2009, the 404th began its transformation process to become the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.