The design of the 104th Military Intelligence Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia uses symbolic imagery to reinforce the message of the Battalion motto “Watchful And Ready.” Approved on 12 May 1981 and crafted largely in the Military Intelligence branch colors of oriental blue and silver gray, the insignia features a pair of crossed swords, always a sign of readiness in military heraldry. Mounted over the swords is an eagle, whose famously sharp eyesight makes it a sign of steadfast watchfulness in heraldry. Above these devices, a bolt of lightning references the electronic warfare tools at the unit’s disposal, indicating the unit’s base mission and responsibilities.
Distinctive Unit Insignias are 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."
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The 104th Military Intelligence Battalion was constituted and activated on 16 September 1980 and assigned to the 4th Infantry Division. At the same times, its two constituent Companies, A and B, were formed through the reorganization and redesignation of the 374th Army Security Agency Company (originally the 303rd Army Security Agency Battalion formed November 1963) and the 4th Military Intelligence Company (originally the 4th Counter Intelligence Corps Detachment created in July 1944).
Both of these Companies had fairly extensive service records when they were converted to the new Battalion’s companies. The 374th ASA Company had taken part in eleven campaigns during the Vietnam War, earning three Meritorious Unit Commendations, three Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm awards, and an ROV Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class. The 4th Military Intelligence Company’s record dated back to World War II, where it was awarded a Belgian Fourragere for earning two citations in the Order of the Day of the Belgian Army. It also had been deployed to Vietnam in roughly the same time frame as the 374th ASA, taking part in the same eleven campaigns while earning a Meritorious Unit commendation, an ROV Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and an ROV Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class.
The Battalion as a whole, however, did not earn battle honors or military decorations between the time of its activation and its inactivation on 16 December 2004. (Note: Some sources list 2006 as the year of inactivation.)