For its Distinctive Unit Insignia, the Joint Force Headquarters (HQ) of the Maine Army National Guard (ARNG) Element looked to the Seal of the State of Maine for inspiration and borrowed several of its key elements. DIRIGO, the unit’s motto, is Latin for “I Guide” and appears on the top portion of the seal. A moose underneath a pine tree reflects Maine’s status as home to the largest moose population in the lower 48 states (between 60 and 70 thousand), while the pine tree symbolizes Maine’s verdant topography and its once-thriving logging industry.
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Also called a unit crest or a DUI, this Distinctive Unit Insignia was first approved for the Maine National Guard’s State Staff Corps and Department on 1 February 1929. Redesignated for HQ and HQ Detachment and non-color bearing units of the Maine Army National Guard on 18 June 1970, it was reassigned to the HQ, State Area Command of the Maine Army National Guard on 1 October 1982. It was given its current designation as the DUI for the Joint Force Headquarters of the Maine Army National Guard Element on 1 October 2003.
Distinctive Unit Insignias are 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."Related ItemsMaine ARNG Element, Joint Force HQ Patch (SSI)