U.S. ARMY 147TH PERSONNEL SERVICES BATTALION UNIT CREST (DUI)

Proclaiming itself as Gardiens Du Nord—French for “Guardians Of The North—the 147th Personnel Services Battalion was a unit in the Minnesota Army National Guard that was inactivated, deactivated, redesignated, or disbanded sometime between February 2009 and January 2010. With its headquarters in Roseville, the Battalion was responsible for managing Postal, Administrative, and Human Resource units.

When called into Federal service, it would augment Personnel Service and Postal units from all three Army components (Active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard). In addition to its usual mission, the 147th Personnel Services Battalion stood prepared to support the state of Minnesota with troops capable of assistance in the event of a disaster or emergency.

The 147th Personnel Services Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia—commonly known as a unit crest or a DUI—was approved on 13 February 2007. Its dark blue and scarlet colors are the branch colors of the Adjutant General’s Corps, while the gold used is emblematic of excellence and military honor. A pair of crossed swords denotes teamwork and recalls the military aspect of the unit’s mission. A compass rose recalls the state of Minnesota’s nickname, “North Star State,” and also stands for the guidance and constant provision of essential services the unit provide to every Soldier. Chain links on top and bottom suggest the chain mail of historic body armor and represent defense, strength, and unity.

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" and 21–3(d) and (e), "Beret" and "Garrison Cap," respectively.