The 3rd Military Intelligence Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia (also known as a unit crest or DUI) was approved on 22 November 1983, some seventeen months after the unit was created by reorganizing and redesignating the 146th Army Security Agency Company as the Battalion’s Headquarters and Headquarters Service Company and two Military Intelligence Detachments (704th and 542nd) were designated as the Battalion’s two companies.
The field in the upper right half of the shield is rendered in the primary Military Intelligence branch color of oriental blue; the modified chess knight, which has the head of a griffin, is rendered in the secondary branch color of silver gray. Part lion and part eagle, griffins often appear on Military Intelligence heraldic items to indicate awareness, intelligence, and foresight. Scarlet and gold are used for the chessboard (chess is often associated with Military Intelligence) to indicate military strength and excellence in operations.
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. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia."
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After activation in Vietnam in 1966, the 146th Aviation Company (prior designation of the 146th Army Security Agency Company) took part in 15 of the named campaigns of the Vietnam conflict and was awarded three Meritorious Unit Commendations and a Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. And before it was redesignated as Company A, the 704th MI Detachment was honored with a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its Korean War service, as well as with two Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations.
The 3rd Military Intelligence Battalion is currently a subordinate unit of the 501st Military Intelligence Brigade. Its motto of “Winged Vigilance” is a reference to the daily collection of Military Intelligence through aviation assets, which is reflected in the Battalion’s official designation as the 3rd Military Intelligence Battalion (Aerial Exploitation). The Battalion is headquartered in South Korea at USAG Humphreys.