Originally designated as the 8th Logistical Command, the 8th Support Group was the major unit stationed at Camp Darby in Italy, the only major U.S. military storage base south of the Alps, throughout the 1970s and into the 1990s. 8th Support Group was tasked with operating a depot mission that involved billions of dollars of vehicles and equipment, stored in prepositioned sets for quick issue and logistical efficiency, but in October 1994 that mission was assumed by U.S. Army Materiel Command, and the 8th Support Group was inactivated on 9 May 1995. It was replaced by Area Support Team – Livorno.
The 8th Support Group Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), also called a unit crest, features a blue multi-directional arrow superimposed over a gold boot with five-pointed rowel and a scarlet banner and buff inscription of the unit motto, “Support With Service.” The boot indicates the organization’s location in Italy, with the starlike rowel denoting the organization’s Command status. Its ability to deliver logistic support to any point in its area of responsibility is signified by the multi-directional arrows oriented toward the four main compass points.
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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" and 21–3(d) and (e),
"Beret" and
"Garrison Cap," respectively.