Organizational Insignia FAQ
 

Posted Tuesday, October 11, 2005

IS MY UNIT AUTHORIZED ITS OWN INSIGNIA?

Distinctive unit insignia (DUI) are authorized for those types of units listed in AR 670-1. Units not listed in AR 670-1 (other than USAG) may request a DUI be authorized if the unit has at least 500 military assigned (250 for DA operating agencies). The Army element of joint commands may be authorized a DUI if the Army element has at least 500 Army personnel (250 for DA Field Operating Agencies). Shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI) may be authorized for organizations listed in AR 670-1 and for other organizations with at least 500 military assigned.

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 an authorized manufacturer 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. After verifying any history and/or honors with the 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 authorization letter for the insignia. TIOH will contract at no cost to the unit for the development of prototype samples and upon its completion will forward a sample 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 TDA. 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 authorization letter for the insignia. TIOH will contract at no cost to the unit for the development of prototype samples and upon its completion will forward the 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.

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 (if available). The flash and background trimmings will not contain design elements except geometrical divisions or shape. 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 PROPER CONVERSION FROM FULL COLOR EMBROIDERED INSIGNIA AND BADGES TO WOODLAND AND DESERT UNIFORMS?

Army Grade/Rank Insignia:

Woodland:

Officers: Black 67138 On Olive Base Cloth

Except 2nd Lt & Maj Bronze 67147 On Olive Base Cloth

Warrant: Black 67138 & Olive Drab 67133 On Olive Base Cloth

Enlisted: Black 67138 On Olive Base Cloth

Desert:

Officers: Black 67138 On Khaki Base Cloth

Except 2nd Lt & Maj Brown 67136 On Khaki Base Cloth

Warrant: Khaki 67193 & Black 67138 On Khaki Base Cloth

Enlisted: Black 67138 On Khaki Base Cloth

Army Branch Insignia & Badges:

Base Cloth: Khaki 2120

Black Embroidery Will Be Spicebrown 67196

Brown Embroidery Will Remain Brown 67136

Army Shoulder Sleeve Insignia:

Base Cloth: Khaki 2120

Olive Drab Will Be Khaki 67193

Black Will Be Spicebrown 67196

Brown Will Remain Brown 67136