The "Old Hickory" 30th Brigade at ECU

Serving Old Hickory While Old Hickory Serves Our Country

The 30th Enhanced Heavy Separate Brigade, headquartered in Clinton, is the largest brigade in the North Carolina Army National Guard. The 30th is one of fifteen designated enhanced brigades with the mission of mobilizing and deploying for combat within 90 days notice.

As approximately 4000 men and women from North Carolina prepare for deployment to Iraq in spring 2009, East Carolina University stands ready to serve the educational needs of these men and women. ECU's mission is to help these servicemembers accomplish their educational goals while serving their country in Iraq.

The "Old Hickory" Brigade has a federal mission much like its active Army counterpart and has received the responsibility of supporting NATO forces since 1982. The brigade has successfully accomplished task force size overseas deployments in 1983, 1986, 1988, 1992, and 2004. The 30th Heavy Separate Brigade also has a state mission and has been called upon several times to help support the citizens of North Carolina during time of hurricanes, tornadoes, and forest fires.

The 30th Infantry Division was created July 18, 1917 shortly after the United States became involved in World War I. From the outset, the 30th was known as the "Old Hickory" Division in honor of Major General Andrew Jackson (1767-1845). The division shoulder patch contains a blue H within a blue O on a red background with the Roman numeral XXX across the crossbar of the H, symbolizing "Old Hickory" and the 30th Division.

The soldiers of today's "Old Hickory" Brigade wear their unit patch with pride. This pride comes from the distinguished history of the 30th and from knowing that they are some of the best trained and equipped soldiers in the world.