This is the Distinctive Unit Insignia for the U.S. Army Element of Allied Forces Northwestern Europe, the NATO organization that replaced Headquarters, Allied Forces Northern Europe on 30 June 1994. The insignia, also called a DUI or a unit crest, was approved for wear by U.S. Army personnel on 3 September 1996.
A scarlet lion rampant, officially referred to as the Royal Lion, is taken from the Queen’s Colors and is a symbol of the link between England and Allied Forces Northwestern Europe (AFNW), as well as the steadfastness and courage of the parent organization NATO. A Viking ship is an allusion to the heritage of Northwest Europe that also denotes military preparedness; the shields on the ship’s side stand for the nations represented at the HQ, AFNW. The background of light blue, white, and dark blue is symbolic of the tri-service nature of the command as delineated in the organization’s motto of MARE CAELO TERRAQUE, Latin for “Sea Air Land.” Specifically, the waves and dark blue represent Naval assets and the oceans off Northwestern Europe, while the light blue is for aerial components and the white is for land elements.
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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 (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. More 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.