The Brigade's name is derived from 1st and 6th Airborne Divisions, which saw distinguished service during the Second World War.  16 Air Assault Brigade's 'Striking Eagle' badge was adopted from the Special Training Centre in Lochailot, Scotland, where Special Forces and Airborne troops were trained between 1943 and 1945.  The maroon and light blue colours of the badge represent the airborne and aviation elements of the Brigade respectively.

As the British Army's premier rapid response formation, 16 Air Assault Brigade has served in the vanguard of recent operational deployments to Sierra Leone, Macedonia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

With 8,000 personnel, 16 Air Assault Brigade is the largest Brigade in the British Army. Its structure makes it highly flexible and capable. The Units, listed below, provide Air Assault Infantry, Parachute Battalions, Signals, Pathfinders, Attack and Utility Aviation, Artillery, Engineers, Armoured Recce, Logistic and Equipment Support, Medical and Provost capabilities. 

In combination with Offensive Air Support, Air Transport and Support Helicopters, the Brigade is a light, adaptable and potent force, packing a heavy punch wherever required around the world.

The Brigade has completed 3 tours in Afghanistan, initially in Dec 2001 and more recently leading the UK's deployment to Helmand in 2006, returning again in Summer 2008. When not on operations, it remains at high readiness ad the UK's Airborne Task Force.

Based in Colchester, Essex, the Brigade Headquarters is formed from both Army and RAF personnel enabling it to integrate Air and Land operations. 16 Air Assault Brigade is the only Operational Brigade in the British Army capable of delivering Air Manoeuvre, Air Assault and Airborne operations.