Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. Current regulations do not permit the DUI to be worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.Enlisted personnel wear the insignia centered on a shoulder loop by placing it an equal distance from the outside shoulder seam to the outside edge of the shoulder-loop button. Officers (except Generals) wearing grade insignia on the shoulder loops center the DUI by placing it an equal distance between the inside edge of the grade insignia and the outside edge of the button.
More guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1, Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e), "Beret" and
"Garrison Cap," respectively.
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Regional Headquarters, Allied Forces Northern Europe, which operated from 2000 to 2004, can trace its history back to the activation of the HQ, Allied Forces Central Europe (AFCENT) in August 1953. Operating under the control of the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, Allied Forces Central Europe was comprised of three forces—Land, Air, and Naval—and was headquartered in Fountainbleau, France. In 2000, the deactivation of HQ, Allied Forces Northern Europe (AFNORTH) led to the redesignation of AFCENT as Regional HQ, AFNORTH. In 2004, RHQ AFNORTH was renamed Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum.
The Distinctive Unit Insignia of U.S. Army Element, Regional Headquarters Allied Forces North Europe was originally approved for U.S. Army Element, Allied Forces Central Europe on 17 August 1992. It was redesignated for the RHQ, AFNORTH on 28 March 2000.
Night-and-day vigilance and military preparedness of the U.S. Army Element, AFCENT and AFNORTH is represented by the black (night) and silver/white (day) on the insignia. A tower on a green shield in the insignia’s center recalls Charlemagne’s castle in Aachen and symbolizes defense, while the laurel wreath encircling the shield stands for honor and high achievement. In combination with the shield, the sword behind it denotes the unity of Europe’s Armed Forces and their readiness to act when needed also reflected in the organization's motto "Fight Evil Purge Evil."