The 196th Cavalry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia (also known as a “unit crest” or “DUI” was approved on 4 October 1965. Its yellow and green colors reflect the unit’s constitution as a Cavalry organization (yellow) with units that have an Amor background (green).
The shield portion of the insignia is shaped like a pine cone, a reference to North Carolina; in the center of the pine cone is an upright artillery projectile superimposed over a crossed bayonet and, behind both of these objects, a green space. The spade represents Engineer units and the projectile Artillery, both found in the unit’s lineage. “Eyes Of Hickory” is the unit motto, a reference to the Cavalry’s role as a scouting and reconnaissance unit for the 30th “Old Hickory” Infantry Division.
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.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Constituted in the North Carolina Army National Guard on 27 February 1963 as a parent regiment in the Combat Arms Regimental System (CARS), the 196th Cavalry was organized from existing units in south-central North Carolina to consist of the 1st Squadron, an element of the 30th Infantry Division. It was reorganized on 1 January 1968 to consist of 1st Squadron, but without Troops B and C, which were allocated to the South Carolina and Georgia Army National Guard.
In December 1973, the Regiment was reorganized in the North Carolina Army National Guard to consist solely of Troop E, an element of the 30th Infantry Division. The Regiment was withdrawn from CARS on 1 June 1989 and reorganized in the United States Army Regimental System. As of Autumn 2023, there are no units representing the 196th Cavalry Regiment listed as active in the North Carolina Army National Guard.