The griffin, a traditional symbol of readiness and vigi-lance, is the focal point of the Michigan Army National Guard Element, Joint Force Headquarters Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), also called a unit crest. In addition to its longstanding use as an emblem of watchfulness, the griffin is also a reference to Le Griffon, a sailing ship built by famed French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle which mysteriously sank on Lake Michigan in 1679.
A wavy blue scroll encircling the insignia represents the waters in and around the state, while an upright spear behind the griffin is symbol of the National Guard’s defensive mission. The tip of the spear forms a simulated fleur-de-lis, an allusion to the French explores like La Salle who helped explore and settle the state. “With Honor We Serve” is the motto of the Michigan ARNG Element, Joint Force Headquarters. Joint Force HQ of the Michigan National Guard is stationed in Lansing, Michigan.
Originally approved on 4 November 1971, for the Michigan Army National Guard’s HQ and HQ Detachment, as well as the Guard’s non-color bearing units, this insignia was subsequently redesignated for the HQ, State Area Command, Michigan Army National Guard. It was redesignated for the Michigan ARNG Element, Joint Force HQ on 1 October 2003.
The Michigan National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters is located at Lansing, Michigan.
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The Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) 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 (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.
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.Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia."Related Items
Michigan ARNG Element, Joint Force HQ Patch (SSI)