Currently worn by personnel serving in the 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, the 603rd Support Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia—more often called a “unit crest” or a DUI—was approved on 2 November 1992, less than two months after the unit was constituted and activated in Germany.
The scarlet and buff (gold) chevronels symbolize support and strength, and their counterchanged colors suggest both strength and cooperation. An inescutcheon (smaller inset shield) is an emblem of a strong military defense and the millrind superimposed on it emphasizes continued support for as long as needed. The insignia’s color scheme has been considerately arranged, with red indicating courage and zeal; black denoting military capability, determination, and solidity; and gold signifying excellence and lofty ideals, including the motto of “No Mission Denied.”
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.
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The 603rd Aviation Support Battalion has spent most of its service life providing support for the 3rd Infantry Division or for units assigned or attached to the Division. Constituted on 16 September 1992 and immediately assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division, the Battalion was briefly relieved from assignment to it in May 2004 (it is unclear when the Battalion was assigned to the Division’s 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade).
In addition to five campaigns in Iraq, the Battalion has also participated in two campaigns in Afghanistan and the Global War on Terrorism campaign (its participation in additional campaigns is yet to be determined). Its outstanding service in support of the War on Terrorism has been consistently recognized with military decorations, beginning with a Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) it was awarded in October 2007, followed by a Presidential Unit Citation in April 2009 and a subsequent trio of MUCs between May 2009 and December 2013.
The 603rd Aviation Support Battalion is currently assigned to the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade and is headquartered at Fort Stewart-Hunter Airfield in Savannah, Georgia.