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. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
Enlisted personnel wear the insignia centered on a shoulder loop by placing it an equal distance from the outside shoulder seam to the outside edge of the shoulder-loop button. Officers (except Generals) wearing grade insignia on the shoulder loops center the DUI by placing it an equal distance between the inside edge of the grade insignia and the outside edge of the button.
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 Distinctive Unit Insignia of the 204th Support Group was approved on 8 March 1973. Its most dominant feature is the pelican’s head in its center. The pelican was chosen as the state bird of Louisiana, the unit’s home state, because European settlers were so impressed by the pelican’s attentive nursing and generous attitude they evinced toward their young (it was commonly but erroneously believed that pelicans would even cut their breasts open with their beak to feed their young with blood if they could not provide them with enough food).
Two pairs of arrows are crossed behind the pelican to symbolize martial preparedness and imply direction; they also create a saltire (X shape) which is a traditional emblem of support in heraldry. A large curved scroll is envelops these images and is a reference to the huge curve in the Mississippi River as it goes around New Orleans, alluding to the unit’s home city. The motto “Command In Support” signifies the Group’s command responsibilities in carrying out its Support Mission.