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.
For Enlisted personnel, the insignia is 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.
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia."
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Purple, white, and gold are the predominant tones used in the 437th Civil Affairs Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, with gold denoting excellence and high achievement and purple and white alluding to organization’s status as a Civil Affairs unit.
A gridlined sphere in the center of a purple shield refers to the worldwide mission of the Battalion, while an upright sword symbolizes the military readiness displayed by the Battalion; the olive branch enwrapping it is an emblem of peace, reinforcing the unit motto “Peace Through Stability.”
In the upper left, a canton containing a lighthouse is symbol of guidance and safekeeping, two principles that guide the mission of the Battalion. It is also a reference to the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, an allusion to the Battalion’s location at Fort Story, Virgnia.
The 437th Civil Affairs Battalion is a unit in the Army Reserve. When not called to active military service, it is assigned to the 354th Civil Affairs Brigade, 352nd Civil Affairs Command.