The 532nd Military Intelligence Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 22 December 1959 and was amended on 2 January 1987 to change the description and symbolism. Its shield portion features a background of checkered teal blue and yellow, colors formerly used for Military Intelligence Battalions. The black stallion is an allusion to the German city of Stuttgart, the location where the unit was activated.
Together, the stallion and checkered background symbolize a chessboard with the Stallion as the knight, an image commonly used for Military Intelligence units because of that piece’s ability to move over and around enemy pieces. Chess is also a game that has both strategic and tactical elements. NOSCE HOSTEM, the unit motto, is Latin for “Know Your Enemy.”
Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a 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. More 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.
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Originally constituted on 16 February 1951 in the Regular Army as the 532nd Military Intelligence Service Company and activated in Germany the following August, the unit became the 532nd Military Intelligence Service Battalion in September 1951 and was given the designation of 532nd Military Intelligence Battalion two years later on 20 October 1953. Nearly five years later, it was reorganized and redesignated on 25 June 1958 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company 532nd Military Intelligence Battalion.
At the same time, three Military Intelligence units—the 521st Military Intelligence Company, 427th Counter Intelligence Corps Detachment, and the 526th Military Intelligence company—were reorganized and redesignated as the Battalion’s A, B, and C Companies. The 521st Military Intelligence Company in particular brought considerable experience with it; it had taken part in every campaign of the Korean War and was the recipient of two Meritorious Unit Commendations and a Republic of Korean Presidential Unit Citation.
The 532nd Military Intelligence Battalion was inactivated in Germany on 1 June 1962 and was reactivated in Korea on 16 October 1986. As of Autumn 2023, the Battalion' mission is to conduct all-source intelligence operations as part of the 501st Military Intelligence Brigade. It is stationed at Camp Humphreys, Korea.