The 197th Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia (also called a unit crest or a DUI) was originally approved on 4 January 1957 for the 197th Heavy Tank Battalion, but was rescinded seven-and-a-half years later on 11 August 1964. It was reinstated for the 197th Regiment, with revised description and symbolism, on 5 March 1997, with a correction made to the description made on 28 July 1997.
Yellow used throughout the insignia signifies the organization’s origins in the Armor branch of service as the 197th Heavy Tank Battalion, and the descent of the 197th Heavy Tank Battalion from the 2nd Battalion, 201st Infantry Regiment is denoted by the use of the shield from the 201st’s coat of arms, differenced by a border. The lions in the upper area (chief) stand for the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. A blue saltire (“X”) in the lower portion indicates Civil War service in the Union army; the snake denotes Mexican War service; the Roman sword symbolizes service in the War With Spain; and the fleur-de-lis is for World War I service in France. The motto "Go Mountaineers" recalls the origin of the organization in West Virginia.
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.
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The 197th Regiment is responsible for operating and managing the 197th Regiment Regional Training Institute, West Virginia Army National Guard, also called the 197th Regiment (RTI-WV). Located in Preston County along the Cheat River at Camp Dawson at Kingwood, West Virginia, the 197th Regiment RTI-WV hosts an Officer Candidate School and Warrant Officer Candidate School and programs in the Noncommissioned Officer Education System, as well as courses in various Military Occupational Specialties (Heavy Equipment Operator, Carpentry and Masonry Specialist), Combat Lifesaver, Company Level Pre-Command, Army Basic Instructor, and Small Group Instructor. Course are open to all Soldiers and Officers from any branch of the Total Army (active-duty, Reserve, National Guard) from any location in the country.