The 126th Chemical Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), frequently but inaccurately referred to by soldiers as a “unit crest,” was approved on 17 April 2000. Its cobalt blue and golden yellow are colors are the branch colors of the Chemical Corps. Obviously the most eye-catching aspect of the design is a dragon segreant (the equivalent of a lion rampant, i.e., standing erect with forepaws raised); dragons are commonly employed on the heraldry of Chemical Corps units because the mythical creatures breath fires and have great strength and power, symbolizing the potential destruction of chemical warfare.
This destruction is embodied in the flames behind the dragon, which also reinforce the motto “Through The Flames” that emphasizes the Battalion’s ability to master this powerful force. A bayonet clutched by the Dragon recalls the unit’s Infantry origins, while the six-sided hexagonal shield recalls a benzene ring, found on the branch insignia of the Chemical Corps.
Distinctive Unit Insignias are 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. 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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A subordinate unit in the 67th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, the 126th Chemical Battalion is a Nebraska Army National Guard unit headquartered at Omaha. It was activated on 14 October 2001 and is one of only seven Chemical battalions in the National Guard. In 2014, the Battalion comprised its HQ and HQ Company, the 754th Chemical Company (Recon/Decon), the 623rd Engineering Company, and the 181st and 317th Engineer Firefighting Teams. A January 2019 news release, however, stated that at that time the Battalion consisted of 130 Soldiers in the HQ and HQ Company and the 754th Chemical Company.
When activated in wartime, the Battalion’s stated mission is to provide Command Control of up to seven Chemical companies.