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.
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 249th Signal Battalion was organized on 1 November 1973 from existing units in the Texas Army National Guard and was Federally recognized as an element of the 49th Armored Division with its Headquarters at Dallas, Texas. Those existing units included the inactivated 239th Signal Operations Company and the 49th Armored Signal Company, organized in September 1947 but reorganized in March 1959 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 249th Signal Battalion and inactivated in January 1968.
The latter unit’s lineage included credit for participation in seven campaigns in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of World War II, as well as two Arrowhead devices for participation in assault landings in the Algeria-French Morocco and Naples-Foggia campaigns. Military decorations were limited to Company C of the HHC, 249th Signal Battalion, which received a Presidential Unit Citation and a French Croix de Guerre with Palm.
The 249th Signal Battalion remained a Texas Army National Guard unit for the remainder of its service life. As an element of the 49th Armored Division, the Battalion was inactivated on 1 May 2004 at the same time as its parent organization and was reflagged as the 136th Signal Battalion.
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Orange and white, Signal Corps branch colors, are featured predominantly on the 249th Signal Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, more commonly referred to as a “unit crest” or “DUI.” A vertical lightning flash is also a nod to the Signal Corps as it is commonly used to denote the speed of modern electronic communications. Four billets represent the Battalion’s home area, which includes the four major cities of Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio. When combined, the pale (vertical bar) and chief (upper third of shield, here with a horizontal bar and four billets) simulate the capital letter “T,” an allusion to the state of Texas where it was allocated. “Get The Message Through” is a sign of the unit’s eagerness in achieving mission goals.