The 125th Military Intelligence Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, often called a unit crest or by the abbreviation DUI, was approved on 26 November 1982. “Eyes Of Lightning,” the unit motto, refers to the electronic technology used for gathering intelligence and the speed at which it could be analyzed and disseminated. A pair of crossed, unsheathed swords signifies military readiness, and the heraldic rose placed at their intersection is a reference to the subrosa nature of the organization’s missions. A pair of stars denote the wartime service of its two component companies (see below), and the red used for the heraldic rose alludes to military decorations for action in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
Distinctive Unit Insignias are 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. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia."
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The 125th Military Intelligence Battalion was constituted 16 June 1983, assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, and activated at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. At the same time, two existing units—the 372nd Army Security Agency (ASA) Company and the 25th Military Intelligence (MI) Company—were reorganized and redesignated as the Battalion's A and B Companies, respectively. Although the Battalion as whole did not earn credit for participation in any campaigns or receive any military decorations before its inactivation in 2005, the A and B companies were individually entitled to both because of their history prior to redesignation.
Originally constituted as Company A, 303rd ASA Battalion and activated 25 June 1962, the 372nd ASA Company was given that designation in October 1966 and went on to take part in a dozen campaigns in the Vietnam War before being inactivated in 1971. Its service during that period was recognized with five Meritorious Unit Commendations, three Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm awards, and a Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class.
The 25th MI Company was originally constituted on 12 July 1944 in the Army of the United States as the 25th Counter Intelligence Corps Detachment, activated 10 August 1944 in New Caledonia, and attached to the 25th Infantry Division. It took part in the Luzon campaign and was also awarded an uninscribed World War II Asiatic-Pacific Theater and a Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for its service before inactivation in February 1946, then was activated in October 1950 in Korea.
It participated in nine of the ten Korean War campaigns and earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation before it was allotted to the Regular Army in February 1954. It was reorganized and redesignated as the 25th MI Detachment in December 1958, a title it retained until December 1969 when it became the 25th MI Company. It was the recipient of four Meritorious Unit Commendations for it service in Vietnam, as well as two Republic of Vietnam Cross Gallantry with Palm awards and a Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class.