The 542nd Military Intelligence Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), or unit crest, was originally approved for the 242nd Military Intelligence Battalion on 30 July 1991 and was subsequently redesignated for the 542nd MI Battalion on 29 October 1993.
A black field of the “shield within a shield) suggests the unit’s capability of conducting clandestine operations, while the gold used for the griffin and the crossed lightning flash and sword denote excellence and high achievement. Together, the sword and flash represent military preparedness and the high speed at which modern intelligence gathering, analysis, and dissemination occurs.
The blue and white checkered pattern suggests a chess board, which symbolizes strategy and countermeasures, and the griffin has been designed to resemble a chess knight; griffins are known for vigilance augmented by keen eyesight and acute hearing, while chess pieces are known for the ability to strike from almost any angle. “The Eyes of the Battle” is the unit motto.
Distinctive Unit Insignias are 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.
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia."There is no readily available public information regarding why the 542nd Military Intelligence Battalion is no longer an active unit.
Please email us if you have information on the status of the Battalion, including when it was inactivated, redesignated, reflagged, or disbanded.