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 (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.
For Enlisted personnel, the insignia is 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" and 21–3(d) and (e),
"Beret" and
"Garrison Cap," respectively.
The 450th Civil Affairs Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) was approved for wear on 16 July 1993.
There are two primary components of the insignia: a green scroll encircling the bottom and sides of the a shield divided into quadrants of purple and white, branch colors of the Civil Affairs Corps. “Peace Or War, Calm Or Storm,” the Battalion moto, is inscribed in gold, the color of excellence, on a scroll of green, the color of life, growth, and safety.
Surmounted on the purple-and-white shield are three items that cross each other. At the bottom is a white quill pen that symbolizes administration and responsible governance.
Placed on the quill pen is a gold sword that has been adapted from the Civil Affairs branch insignia, and atop the sword is a palm frond that recalls the Battalion’s efforts in liberating the nation of Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War in Southwest Asia in 1990-1991.
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450th Civil Affairs Battalion Beret Flash and Ovals