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.
Enlisted personnel wear the insignia 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.
DEFENSIMUS PATRIAM, Latin for "Defending The Homeland," forms the foundation of the design of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia. It is also a reflection of when the unit was formed; the term “Homeland” was rarely used until after the terror attacks of 2001, and the creation of the Battalion would not have been possible if President George W. Bush had not removed the United States from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.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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The 49th Missile Defense Battalion has been assigned to the 100th Missile Defense Brigade (Ground-Based Midcourse Defense) since it was activated at Fort Greely, Alaska in January 2004 (the Brigade was activated in October 2003 and its DUI was approved on 17 August 2005). The Battalion is permanently on active duty, providing operational control and security for the ground-based interceptors based at Fort Greely. The battalion is manned by active-duty members of the Alaska Army National Guard and Army Reserve and comprises the Battalion staff, a Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, five Fire Direction Center crews, and Alpha Company.