The 549th Military Intelligence Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, often referred to as a unit crest, was approved on 27 January 1987. A globe with longitudinal and latitudinal lines superimposed on it alludes to the global aspect of the mission assigned to the Military Intelligence branch.
Superimposed on the globe are a crossed sword of red and a lightning flash of yellow; the flash symbolizes the electronic warfare techniques and technologies that are now a crucial component of the Military Intelligence arsenal, while the sword represents the aggressive nature and dangerous missions that are successfully performed by Military Intelligence personnel. A wide, silver border around the insignia suggests containment and is an allusion to the intelligence gathering process and its usefulness in defensive strategy. “Modern Warfare” is the Battalion motto.
The 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.
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia."
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The 549th Military Intelligence Battalion has been an Army Reserve unit ever since it was originally constituted on 17 July 1986 with its Headquarters at Austin, Texas. When not called to active military service, it is assigned to the 505th Military Intelligence Brigade, Military Intelligence Readiness Command. It is headquartered at Camp Bullis, Joint Base San Antonio.