over the maroon star is symbolic of the unit's mission of command and control over medical units. The four points of each taken together allude to the organization's numerical designation. Background: This insignia was originally approved for the 44th Medical Brigade on 5 October 1966. The shoulder sleeve insignia was redesignated for the 44th Medical Command on 6 August 2001. The insignia was redesignated for the 44th Medical Brigade with the description updated effective 16 April 2010. From 1995 to 2010, members of the brigade wore a blue airborne tab with white lettering above their shoulder sleeve insignia. While sanctioned by the XVIII Airborne Corps, the tab was never approved for wear by the United States Army Institute of Heraldry. Distinctive unit insignia Description: A silver color metal and enamel device in diameter consisting of a silver saltire (cross), the four arms equal and with straight ends, surmounted by a maroon cross, the four arms equal and with arched ends. Symbolism: Maroon and white (silver) are the colors used for the Army Medical Service and the two crosses refer to the medical and surgical mission of the organization while the four arms of each cross taken together signify the organization's numerical designation. Background: This insignia was originally approved for the 44th Medical Brigade on 12 August 1966. The distinctive unit insignia was redesignated for the 44th Medical Command on 6 August 2001. The insignia was redesignated for the 44th Medical Brigade with the description updated effective 16 April 2010. Beret flash Description: On a maroon shield-shaped embroidered item with a semi-circular base 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm) in height and 1 7/8 inches (4.76 cm) in width overall and edged with a 1/8-inch (.32 cm) white border, a white vertical lozenge on the vertical center line. Background: This insignia was originally approved for the 44th Medical Brigade on 1 August 1995. The beret flash was cancelled by the Institute of Heraldry effective 16 August 2010. Colors: White #67101; Maroon #67114 Institute of Heraldry drawing number A-4-163. Background trimming Description: On a maroon oval-shaped embroidered item 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) in height and 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm) in width edged with a 1/8-inch (.32 cm) white border, a white vertical lozenge on the vertical center line. Background: This insignia was originally approved for the 44th Medical Brigade on 1 August 1995. The background trimming was cancelled by the Institute