Ultramarine blue and golden orange, branch colors for Army Aviation, are used almost exclusively in the 171st Aviation Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia that was approved on 1 September 1996. The shield portion of the insignia features a silver chief (top portion) with nebuly (protrusions) to simulate clouds, thus reinforcing the motto “Support From Above.”
In the blue section of the shield (sky), a pair of wings divided by a sword suggests the Aviation, with the wings quartered through counterchanging (alternating colors) to reference worldwide service (four corners of the globe) and the sword suggesting strength. White or silver globe. The sword denotes readiness and strength. The motto is suggested by the chief nebuly (protrusions from gray area into blue) alluding to power and assistance from above. Its arched shape also signifies support. White (silver) denotes integrity; blue refers to aviation.
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. 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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The 171st Aviation Regiment was organized and allotted to the Georgia Army National on 1 September 1996, the same day its unit crest was approved. It consists of a single Battalion with Companies and Detachments assigned to a diverse group of state National Guards across the United States, from Hawaii to New York and Florida. While individual companies have earned several Meritorious Unit Commendation during the War on Terrorism, the only decoration applied to the entire Battalion/Regiment is a Meritorious Unit Commendation for service between 12 February 2011 and 5 November 2001.
As of Autumn 2023, the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment is stationed at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia.