Before it was approved as the Distinctive Unit Insignia for the 216th Air Defense Artillery in February 1999, this insignia was previously authorized for wear by members of the 256th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion going back to November 1952. It was originally approved for the 206th Infantry Regiment on 27 November 1925.
The insignia’s design is heavily inspired by traditions associated with the state of Minnesota. A blue shield, for example refers to the color of the State flag, as well as the unit’s predecessor, the 206th Infantry Regiment. A star and gopher also allude to Minnesota vis-à-vis the North Star (the state motto is L’Etoile du Nord) and the nickname “Gopher State,” and the maroon and gold of the fess (horizontal bar) in the middle are the State colors. The inscription "For State And Country" is the Regiment's motto.
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.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
The 1st Battalion, 216th Air Defense Artillery Regiment was organized in the Minnesota Army National Guard from the 256th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. It has been honored with two military decorations in the War on Terror, with Battery D, 1st Battalion receiving a Meritorious Unit Commendation for service between April 2006 and July 2007, and its Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB) being tapped for a Valorous Unit Award for service with the 1st Brigade, 34th Infantry Division between 07 April and 11 April 2004.
As of Autumn 2023, the Regiment does not appear to have any active units.