The United States Army Element, U.S. Central Command Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved in January 2002. Moving outward from the interior of the insignia are red, green, and black rings, reflecting the fact that these are the dominant colors used in the national flags of the country’s in the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility.
An American bald eagle in flight symbolizes the Commands mobility, as well as its mission to support the security and ensure the stability of friend countries while protecting the United States’ interest. The red, white, and blue shield the eagle clutches in its talons stands for the power, vigilance, and constancy of the United States. Four stars on the shield denote CENTCOM’s status as a four-star Command; the four vertical red stripes separated by white ones are emblems of the four military services that make up CENTCOM: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.
The design of this DUI is identical to both the Seal of the United States Central Command as well as its Identification Badge, but a different color is used for the land mass in the Seal and Badge.♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been
authorized to be issued the device. The device 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.
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.
Related Items
Army Element, United States Central Command Patch (SSI)
Army Element, United States Central Command Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)