The 185th Theater Aviation Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), or unit crest, features several images that pay homage to its home state and its organization and service in the Oklahoma National Guard. An ultramarine-blue field forms a three-lobed area, representative of the sky (ultramarine-blue is an Aviation color along with golden orange) and surmounted by a single white magnolia blossom with a yellow center indicating it is of the species magnolia grandiflora, common in Mississippi and other Southeastern U.S. states. The magnolia also represents Jackson, Mississippi, which is the unit’s home station, as well as the former home to the outpost of French-Canadian trader Louis LeFleur. Cradling the magnolia are a pair of silver wings, reflecting the Brigade’s Aviation status.
The 185th Theater Aviation Brigade’s unit crest was first approved in October 1970 for the 131st Aviation Battalion, but in 1987 it was redesignated (with amended description) for the 131st Aviation Group. The description and symbolism were again updated when the insignia was reassigned to the 185th Theater Aviation Brigade on 15 February 2007.
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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.