The 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), or unit crest, was approved on the same day (1 October 1988) as its Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, and the two share many of the same graphic elements. The blue arrowhead seen in both symbolizes the missile systems the Brigade wields, with blue also being a reference to the Brigade’s “battlefield,” i.e., the sky.
A lightning flash superimposed on the arrowhead connotes the speed at which the Brigade can strike, while the black disc containing the sun and arrowhead serves the dual purpose of suggesting stability as well as the Brigade’s night-and-day preparedness. A glowing sun’s rays are an allusion to the Brigade’s home state of Florida, and the scroll containing the unit motto “Blazing Skies” is formed with the two Air Defense Artillery colors of scarlet and yellow.
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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.
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.
Related Items
164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Unit Patch (SSI)
164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)