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.
Approved for wear by the 206th Chemical Battalion on 15 August 2002, the 103rd Chemical Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia features a fire-breathing dragon superimposed over a gold saltire resting on a dark-blue background. During the Civil War, the border state of Kentucky was home to large numbers of Soldiers who fought for both the Union and the Confederacy; the bravery and courage of these soldiers is celebrated with the inclusion of a saltire (Southern) and the deep blue backing (Union). A fire-breathing dragon is taken from the coat of arms of the Chemical Corps, with the flames symbolic of the destructive capabilities of the Battalion might wield to ensure success and to "STABILIS VICTORIA" ("Support The Victory").
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.
The 103rd Chemical Battalion was originally organized in the Kentucky Army National Guard (ARNG) on 1 October 2002 as the 206th Chemical Battalion. Called into active Federal service on 1 June 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and relieved on 28 November 2006, the Battalion was redesignated under its current name on 1 September 2007. It subsequently was called into Federal service again in 2009 – 2010 for deployment to Iraq. As of Summer 2023, the Battalion is assigned to the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade of the Kentucky ARNG.