U.S. ARMY 214TH FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADE UNIT CREST (DUI)

The 214th Field Artillery Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia, often referred to as a unit crest or just DUI, reiterates the unit’s nickname “Leader Brigade” with the inclusion of the unit motto “Naturally We Lead” at the base of the insignia. Approved on 16 January 1969, the focal point of the insignia is a black field piece that reflects the Brigade’s mission as an Artillery Group. Wavy lines on the blue scroll containing the motto are an allusion to overseas service—the Brigade earned a World War II European-African-Middle Eastern Theater streamer without inscription for its overseas deployment in that conflict. The fleur-de-lis is a specific reference to service in Europe during that war. During the War on Terrorism, the Brigade and/or its Headquarters and Headquarters Battery were deployed overseas before being inactivated in May 2015.

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. 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.
 

The Brigade’s HQ and HQ Battery (HHB) was selected for a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its outstanding performance in the opening weeks of Operation Iraqi Freedom (19 March 2003 to 1 June 2003), while Detachments from the HHB subsequently earned two MUCs, the first for service between March 2007 and June 2008 and the second for service from 1 April 2012 to 15 January 2013.

Related Items
214th Field Artillery Brigade Patch (SSI)
214th Field Artillery Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)