U.S. ARMY DENTAL ACTIVITY, FORT SILL UNIT CREST (DUI)

A maroon patée cross (also called a cross patée) set against a white disc incorporate the two colors of the Army Medical Department in the Dental Activity, Fort Sill Distinctive Unit Insignia, a device more commonly known as a “unit crest” or a DUI. This style of cross dates back to at least the seventh century and has been associated with aid and assistance for nearly as long thanks in no small part to its use during the Crusades by the Knights Hospitaller.

Gold and silver (white) represent two medals closely associated with the practice of dentistry, while the six gunstones (black discs) and the arrow (used here in lieu of the staff normally found in a caduceus) refer to artillery and missiles, two of the military disciplines taught at Fort Sill. The white areas between the arms of the cross are also an allusion to the four facets of complete dental care. Combined with the motto “Serving The Soldier,” the imagery refers to the overall mission and capabilities of Dental Activity (DENTAC), Fort Sill.

The DUI for Dental Activity, Fort Sill was approved on 23 June 1980. It was cancelled with an effective date of 30 September 2016 when the unit was discontinued.

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. Current regulations do not permit the DUI to be 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.