Organizational Insignia

 

Is my unit authorized its own insignia?

Distinctive unit insignia (DUI) and Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SS) are authorized for those types of units listed in AR 670-1. Units not listed in AR 670-1 (other than USAG) may request insignia authorization if the unit has at least 500 military authorized (250 for DA operating agencies).  A “battalion” or “brigade” unit designation is not synonymous with insignia authorization if the unit is a TDA. At least 500 military personnel must be authorized on the TDA to be eligible for a DUI, 300 for a flag and 20 for a guidon.  Assigned or attached personnel are not counted toward the authorized manning numbers.

 

How do we procure our distinctive unit insignia?

Distinctive unit insignia are not available through the supply system. Commanders must submit a local purchase request to their contracting officer to procure the DUI. The purchase must be made from a TIOH certified manufacturere in accordance with AR 670-1.

 

How do I request design of a distinctive unit insignia?

A request for DUI should include a copy of the permanent orders activating the unit. The request may include design input but it is NOT required. After verifying any history and/or honors with the U.S. Army Center of Military History, TIOH will prepare a proposed design and forward it to the unit for concurrence. After the unit commander approves the design, TIOH will prepare a manufacturing drawing and initiate a development contract (at no cost to the unit) for the development of protoype samples. The development typically takes 90-120 days. Upon completion, TIOH will publish the authorization memo and provide insignia samples to the unit. The unit is also provided instructions on how to obtain the insignia through local purchase procedures.

 

How do I request design of a shoulder sleeve insignia?

A request for SSI should include a copy of the permanent orders activating the unit and a mission statement if the unit is a TDA. The request may include design input but it is NOT required. TIOH will prepare a proposed design and forward it to the unit for concurrence. After the unit commander approves the design,  TIOH will prepare a manufacturing drawing and initiate a development contract (at no cost to the unit) for the development of protoype samples. The development typically takes 90 days. Upon completion, TIOH will publish the authorization memo and provide insignia samples to the unit. The unit is also provided instructions on how to obtain the insignia through local purchase procedures. Recently approved SSI are not in the supply system.

 

 

Can my unit change our insignia?

AR 670-1/AR 840-10 does not allow any changes to insignia once it has been approved by TIOH. Insignia is designed to symbolically represent the historical foundation of the unit. Army policy does not allow insignia to be modified to reflect evolving history, mission or the commander’s preference. Maintaining the original insignia design provides a legacy for all Soldiers, regardless of their assignment period, to share the same distinction and affiliation throughout the life of the unit. If the unit wishes to pursue a request, a GO signed memo must be submitted through the chain of command, ACOM and to the DCS, G-1 for a decision.

 

How can my unit get a beret flash or background trimming?

Only airborne, rangers or special operations units on jump status are authorized beret flashes and background trimmings under the provisions of AR 670-1. Divisions, brigades, groups, regiments, battalions and separate companies/detachments are entitled to a flash within their own right. Airborne units not on jump status (101st Airborne Division) are authorized only the background trimmings. All others will wear the Department of the Army Flash.

 

Request for authorization of a flash or background trimming may be sent to TIOH for approval. The request must include a copy of the permanent orders showing the unit is airborne, a copy of the units MTOE and a color design of the insignia requested. The flash and background trimmings will not contain design elements except geometrical divisions or shapes. Flashes and background trimmings are not available through the supply system. They may be obtained through local purchase procedures from manufacturers certified by TIOH.

 

What is the difference between a motto, special designation and a logo?

A motto is a part of the DUI, which is a heraldic item controlled by The Institute of Heraldry.  

 

A Special Designation is a "nickname granted to a military organization" which has been authorized by the U.S. Army Center of Military History (CMH) and recognized through a certificate signed by the Chief of Military History. Once approved, these designations may only be used by the officially recognized unit.  The intent of the CMH special designation program is not to duplicate an existing motto, but to provide units with another opportunity to express a direct association "with some person, place, thing, event, or function having particular significance to the unit.

 

A logo is often used for branding and is approved locally by the unit commander. Logos are not considered official Army insignia and units do not need TIOH permission to create one.  

 

Can The Institute of Heraldry design an official organizational seal?

Title 18 USC governs the use/restriction of government seals. There is no policy or document that governs "seal eligibility".  The term “official” has many applications and a seal or logo can be considered official based on the commander/director as long as their higher authority has no objection.  Anything designed by TIOH will always be official.

 

What is the proper conversion from full color embroidered insignia and badges to the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniforms?

 

OCP Army Grade/Rank Insignia

Officers:  Black 67138 with Foliage Green hook fastener on reverse

(Except 2nd LT & MAJ which is Brown 67136)

Warrant:  Bagby Green 67205 and Black 67138

Enlisted:  Black 67138

 

Army Badges

Base Cloth: OCP

Black Embroidery: 67138

Bagby Green Embroidery: 67205

 

OCP Army Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

Bagby Green: 67205

Black: 67138

Olive Green: 67133

 

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