More commonly referred to as a unit crest or DUI, the Distinctive Unit Insignia of the U.S. Army Dental Activity, Fort Carson was approved on 15 May 1980. It was subsequently cancelled when the unit was discontinued, with an effective wear-out date of 30 September 2016 for the insignia.
A maroon cross is both a symbol of mercy and assistance as well as an identified that the unit represented is a part of the Army Medical Department: maroon is the primary branch color of that organization. The silver background is used here in lieu of white, the secondary branch color of the Medical Department, because it is the heraldic equivalent of silver.
The placement of the cross inside a square oriented as a diamond creates the appearance of a fortification, and the fortification is in turn positioned at the base of a snow-capped
Maroon and white (silver and white are interchangeable in heraldry) are the colors of the Army Medical Department. The cross, a traditional symbol of mercy, is within a square, suggesting a fortification, and is placed at the base of a symbol representing Cheyenne Mountain, the major geographic feature of Fort Carson. “Dedication Pride Service” is the unit motto.
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The 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.