Also known as a unit crest or DUI, the 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. 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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Headquartered in Newton, Mississippi, the 204th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Regiment is under the administrative umbrella of the 66th Troop Command, Mississippi Army National Guard when under state control and is aligned with the174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade when called into Federal service.
The Distinctive Unit Insignia of the 204th ADA Regiment was first approved on 17 April 1952 for the 204th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons (AAAW) Battalion. Rescinded on 19 December 1974, the insignia was reinstated and authorized, with revised symbolism and description, for the 204th Air Defense Artillery Regiment; the effective date of the approval was 1 October 1994.
“While I Watch I Prepare,” the Regimental motto inscribed on a scroll attached to the shield portion of the insignia, reinforces the image of a three-headed dragon able to see enemy encroachments from all possible directions—and the flames of fire they breathe symbolize the military response to uninvited visitors.
This imagery comprises the shield of the coat of arms of the 609th Coast Artillery Regiment—later redesignated as the 738th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion—and reflects the descent of the 204th AAAW from the 2nd Battalion, 609th Coast Artillery. At the center of the insignia is laurel, representative of the wreaths that have been used to reward victors since the times of antiquity.