On 22 September 2016, the 201st Military Intelligence Battalion cased its colors for the final time during a ceremony held at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston’s MacArthur Parade Field, lowering the curtain on the Battalions thirty-five years of service to the nation. Activated 3 October 1982, the Battalion controlled two Military Intelligence Companies—the 17th at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) and the 166th at Vint Hill Farms Station in Virginia—and reported to the 513th Military Intelligence Brigade at Fort Monmouth.
During the First Gulf War, the Battalion was activated and took part in all three of the campaigns in that conflict, winning a Meritorious Unit Commendation for 1990-1991 and an Army Superior Unit Award for 1993. Following a one-year inactivation (October 2004 to October 2005), the Battalion became the Army’s first interrogation battalion in support of the Joint Interrogation and Debriefing Center. It also earned a pair of Meritorious Unit Commendations for its last two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the first in 2010—2011 and the second in 2012—2013.
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On the 201st Military Intelligence Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia (also called a DUI or unit crest), ACCURATE FAST ALL SOURCE served as the well-fitting motto that described the unit’s MI operations. A black helmet in the center has been adapted from the unit crest of the Battalion’s parent organization, and a globe suggests worldwide mission reach and is a reference to “all source” data. A sword and lightning flash symbolize accuracy and speed of communications, and the laurel wreath is an emblem of achievement.
The Battalion's unit crest was approved on 30 April 1982 and was amended to adjust the symbolism on 21 September 1993.
The Distinctive Unit Insignia is 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.