One of four battalions comprising the Army’s 1st Space Brigade, the 1st Space Battalion “Space Warriors” ) was activated in 1999. In its original incarnation, the battalion was made up of an Army Space Support Company, Theater Missile Warning Company, and an Electronic Warfare detachment. Responsibility for operation of the Joint Tactical Ground Station, tasked with the detecting and warning of enemy missile launches, fell to the Theater Missile Warning Company. Battalion components were also used to develop a Space Control and Electronic Warfare Detachment to manage and conduct space operations.
In 2003, the Army activated the 1st Space Brigade and placed 1st Space Battalion under its command , along with the 53rd Signal Battalion (oldest of the operational units in the brigade), 117th Space Battalion, and 2nd Space Battalion.
Commonly referred to as a unit crest, the 1st Space Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia is taken from the Battalion’s coat of arms. A black background represents space, while the chevron and globe is a symbol of support for the Army’s space mission around the world. A single upright sword recalls the unit’s numerical designation and is reminder of the unit’s role in military readiness and national defense.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Also known as a unit crest or DUI, 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.
Full 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.