Approved on 12 December 1961, the 1st Military Intelligence Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia (also called a DUI or a unit crest) incorporates imagery that conveys the history of the three formations that were merged to create the unit: the 1st Air Reconnaissance Support Battalion; the 205th Signal Company, which was redesignated as Company A in the battalion; and the 196th Aerial Photo Interpretation Detachment, which was redesignated as Company B.
In the center of the shield is an annulet with an open eye in the middle, symbolizing the photographic interpretation duties of the 196th Aerial Photo Interpretation Detachment; the aerial aspect of photo collection is represented by the wings attached to the annulet. Eyes are emblems of observation and can refer to both live surveillance or studied analysis of film or other archived types of video. The hand holding up the design is a symbol of the support role played by the battalion, which is re-emphasized by the Latin motto “INFOMARE LABORAMUS”—“We Labor To Inform."
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."