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 (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. Current regulations do not permit the DUI to be 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.
More 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.
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The Distinctive Unit Insignia of the Special Troops Battalion, United States Army South was approved with an effective date of 16 July 2008. It was subsequently amended to correct the symbolism and description on 28 July 2008. A wavy horizontal partition in the middle of the insignia, called a fess, is a heraldic symbol denoting travel (particularly travel by or over water) and points to the Battalion’s capability to deploy in a timely manner to any contingency operation, regardless of location.
At the top center of the insignia is a pile (point-down triangle), an image of support that here alludes to the Battalion’s military support in delivering humanitarian assistance and/or disaster relief. On the pile is a cross patée, inspired by the cross seen on the sails of the Spanish galleons that explored the region symbolizing the Spanish history of the U.S. Army South’s area of operation.
Below the fess, a gauntlet that embodies the readiness and strength of the Special Troops Battalion grasps a crossed spear and single-warded key. The spear is an emblem embodying the reach of the Battalion in its ability to sustain the fight against the Regional War on Terror while simultaneously increasing security and enhancing the cooperation of coalition nations. A key symbolizes the logistical responsibility of the coalition mission.
AMERICAS SUSTENTANS, the unit motto, is Latin for Support The Americas.”