The 214th Aviation Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved for the 214th Aviation Battalion on 14 June 1968 and was redesignated for the 214th Aviation Regiment on 9 October 1987. A cougar, known for both its ferocity and cunning, was chosen both to represent the organization’s ability to swiftly and decisively engage the enemy as well as to commemorate the Battalion’s first Commander, Lieutenant Colonel James M. Leslie, as cougars are often encountered in Leslie’s home state of Montana.
The light blue background represents the sky, and the ultramarine blue region—which forms three peaks on the Coat of Arms that stand for the unit’s high standards as expressed in the motto “Up Tight”—is from the branch colors of Army Aviation. Gold is used for the cougar to signify achievement and zeal.
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 214th Army Aviation Regiment was originally formed as a Battalion in 1967 and deployed in Vietnam. It would take part in a dozen campaigns during the Vietnam conflict and was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation, five Republic of Vietnam (ROV) Cross of Gallantry with Palm medals, and an ROV Civil Action Honor Medal First Class for its outstanding service. After being redesignated as a parent regiment in the U.S. Army Regimental System in 1987, it took part in the Liberation and Defense of Kuwait campaign in Southwest Asia; it would not see action again until it was deployed to the region again in support of the War on Terrorism.
While the Regiment as a whole did not receive military decorations, two Companies from its 1st Battalion did: Company C was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation and Valorous Unit Award, while Company B was tapped for Navy Unit Commendation and a Meritorious Unit Commendation.
As of Autumn 2023, the Regiment's 1st Battalion, also referred to as the 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion, is part of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, U.S. Army Europe and is headquartered at Wiesbaden, Germany.