The 135th Aviation Regiment was constituted on 1 October 1987 and was formed from predecessor units with lineages dating back to the early 1970s. It was originally designated as the 135th Aviation, a parent regiment under the U.S. Army Regimental System, with units in the Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, and Missouri Army National Guard; it was organized to consist of two Battalions (1st and 2nd) and three Companies, all elements of the 35th Infantry Division, and a lone organic Company (G).
It would be reorganized in 1996 in the Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, and Missouri Army National Guard consist of the 1st and 2nd Battalions and Company F, again elements of the 35th Infantry division, and Company G.
At the start of 2023, the Regiment comprises the 1st Battalion (1-135th), assigned to the Missouri Army National Guard's 35th Combat Aviation Brigade as an Assault Helicopter Battalion, and the 2nd Battalion (2-135th), assigned to the Colorado Army National Guard as a General Support Aviation Battalion consisting of a Headquarters and Headquarters Company, three companies, and eight detachments.
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The design of the 135th Aviation Regiment’s Regimental Distinctive Insignia (DUI), or unit crest, was approved 28 April 1989. It features a winged lion clutching an orange lightning bolt; winged lions have been used for centuries to connote strength and courage, while the lightning bolt is a symbol of firepower. Inscribed at top and bottom is the unit’s motto, “Poised to Strike.”
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."