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. Current regulations do not permit the DUI to be 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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Originally approved for the U.S. Army Hospital, Fort Polk on 20 October 1972, the Distinctive Unit Insignia (unit crest) for U.S. Army Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC), Fort Polk was redesignated to reflect the new title on 21 September 1973.
A white Greek cross is the focal point of the insignia and is a long heraldic symbol of assistance and aid. A green fleur-de-lis is a reference to the location of the MEDDAC at Fort Polk, Louisiana in the Kisatchie National Forest. A stylized shepherd’s crook known as a crosier or bishop’s staff represents the Right Reverend Leonidas Polk, a bishop of the Episcopal Church in Louisiana who was called the “Fighting Bishop” during the time he served as a General in the Confederate army and is the namesake for Fort Polk, which was originally constructed in 1941 as Camp Polk.
The green used for the fleur-de-lis is taken from the color of the academic gowns denoting medical study in medieval times and is also the color associated with growth, life, and good health. Maroon and white in the scroll and inside the cross respectively are the colors of the Army Medical Corps and Army Medical Department. “We Provide The Best” is the motto of MEDDAC, Fort Polk.