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 (Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. Enlisted personnel wear the insignia centered on a shoulder loop by placing it an equal distance from the outside shoulder seam to the outside edge of the shoulder-loop button. Officers (except Generals) wearing grade insignia on the shoulder loops center the DUI by placing it an equal distance between the inside edge of the grade insignia and the outside edge of the button.
Full 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.
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The 31st Support Group is an inactive or deactivated unit in the Alabama Army National Guard. Approved on 12 October 1978, the 31st Support Group Distinctive Unit Insignia, often erroneously referred to as a “unit crest,” pays tribute to it home state and region while displaying pride in its role as combat support unit.
The focal point of the insignia are four interlaced swords superimposed over the traditional image of a heart. A sword is a symbol of authority in heraldry, and interlacing of objects is a symbol of support. Combined, they work to convey the core support mission of the group, which is reinforced by the unit motto of "Support To Sustain."
The interlaced swords also form two saltires (an “x” shape). The image of the heart and a saltire is a reference to the state of Alabama—its state flag features a saltire, and the state is known as the “Heart of Dixie.” Another saltire over the heart alludes to Montgomery, the capital of Alabama where the state flag is flown and the “Heart of Alabama.”