The 249th Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia, more commonly known as a "unit crest" or by the initialism DUI, was originally approved for the 249th Coast Artillery on 16 February 1928. Over the following seventy years, the insignia would be approved for wear by several organizations descended from this one. These include the 249th Coast Artillery Battalion (approved December 1944), 722nd Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion (November 1951), and 249th Artillery (June 1960). It was finally assigned to the 249th Regiment on 4 May 1998, but it was amended to correct the description on 21 September 2001.
A scarlet sea griffin, a mythical guardian of treasure, is the focal point of the insignia, which features a shield portions in yellow (gold) scarlet, and blue and an attached yellow scroll with the unit motto, NULLI CEDE ("Surrende To None, in blue script. The sea griffin is surmounted over a vertical blue band with wavy sides that terminates at the bottom with a wide opening to represent the mouth of the Columbia River, station of the 249th Coast Artillery. A setting demi-sun below the sea griffin has been taken from the Oregon State seal.
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.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
The 249th Regiment is responsible for the administration and maintenance of the Oregon Army National Guard's 249th Regional Training Institute, or RTI. It hosts advanced training for enlisted Soldiers and NonCommissioned Officers as well as Officer/Warrant Officer Candidate Schools. It is the only certified Army infantry training academy west of the Mississippi River in the continental United States.