The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command Distinctive Unit Insignia, commonly called a unit crest or DUI, was originally approved for the TRADOC Test and Experimentation Command on 24 January 1989. It was redesignated less than two years later for the U.S. Army Operational Test and Evaluation Command on 20 November 1990 and was given its current designation on 1 October 1999.
Seeking truth testing and experimentation, the overarching mission of the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), is symbolized by a fulcrum balancing bar and the sun: The bar and triangle simulate a scale while the sung signifies the search for knowledge and enlightenment. The yellow of the sun and interior border suggest the precious metal gold and stands for the “worth of quality assurance of tested products.”
A dark blue background alludes to the sky and space, recognizing the possibilities for the testing and approval of new technologies used in those realms. An upright red sword evokes the image of the individual Soldier whose combat preparedness and capabilities are directly affected by the data and analysis the organization provides. In heraldry, the color white stands for purity of purpose and integrity, and here it symbolizes the Command’s search for truth--a goal reinforced by the unit motto "Truth"—as well as the assuredly high quality of the products it has approved.
Also known as unit crests or DUIs, Distinctive Unit Insignias (DUIs) are worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been
authorized to be issued the device. 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.
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Test And Evaluation Command Patch (SSI)Following the November 1998 decision by the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army to approved the consolidation of developmental and operational testing, the Operation Test and Evaluation Command was subsequently redesignated as the Army Test and Evaluation Command on 1 October 1999. Today, ATEC comprises some 9,000 personnel from the military, as well as civilian and contract workers, serving as engineers, scientists, test officers, technicians, researchers, and evaluators. It has two testing locations in Aberdeen, Maryland, two in Arizona (Fort Huachuca and Yuma), and one in Texas (Fort Cavazos, formerly Fort Hood), Alabama (Redstone Arsenal), and New Mexico (White Sands), In all, ATEC has two dozen facilities in sixteen states and on average conducts 1,100 tests every day.