The United States Army Operational Test Command Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved for the United States Army Test and Experimentation Command on 13 December 1988. It was given its current designation with with an effective date of 1 October 1999.
“Truth,” the unit motto and a supremely succinct expression of the organization’s ultimate mission, is emblazoned in silver on a red scroll that enwraps the laurel wreath the forms the insignia’s border. Inside the wreath, grid lines invoke the concept of precision and scientific analysis; they converge at the base of a demi-sun that symbolizes enlightenment, reinforcing the unit’s unswerving search for truth in order to secure the promise of the future. The laurel wreath alludes to the organization’s high achievements, fueled by a commitment to excellence and principled ideals; the red scroll entwining the wreath is a symbol of military preparedness.
Also known as a unit crest or DUI, 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.
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia."
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The establishment of the Army’s Operational Test Command was one of the intended results of the decision by the Vice Chief of Staff in November 1998 to consolidate the Army’s developmental and operational testing processes by redesignating the Operational Test and Evaluation Command as the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) the following Fall. The new command took several existing commands—Test and Evaluation, Operational Evaluation Command and the Evaluation Analysis Center, and Test and Experimentation—and transformed them into its three subordinate organizations, respectively: Developmental Test Command, the Army Evaluation Center, and Operational Test Command (OTC), headquartered at Fort Hood, Texas.
OTC is an independent test organization whose personnel are responsible to ensure every new piece of equipment is operationally tested before being distributed to our nation’s Warfighters. The work of its eight Test Directorates—Airborne and Space Operations, Air and Missile Defense, Aviation, Fire Support, Intelligence Electronic Warfare, Maneuver, Maneuver Support and Sustainment, and Mission Command—begins with the genesis of each piece of equipment by planning, conducting, and reporting on operational tests and experiments as part of the Army Acquisition decision-making process.
It ends with OTC deploying test teams around the globe to Soldiers’ real-life locations for operational testing, as FOA teams collect data on how equipment works in operational environments, including equipment that has been fast-tracked through rapid acquisition initiatives. Special priority is given to equipment that is classified as part of the Army’s Future Combat Systems.