U.S. ARMY 3RD AVIATION REGIMENT UNIT CREST (DUI)

Often referred to as a unit crest, the Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) of the 3^rd Aviation Regiment was first approved for the 3^rd Aviation Battalion on 29 August 1963 and was amended to correct its symbolism ten days later on 6 September 1963. Rescinded on 8 July 1976, the insignia was reinstated with amended symbolism for the 3^rd Aviation Battalion on 10 April 1978. It was given its current designation on 1 July 1987, the same day the 3^rd Aviation Battalion was redesignated as a Regiment.
 
Rendered in the teal blue and white tones formerly used for Aviation Battalions, the 3^rd Aviation Battalion DUI consists of a shield and an attached scroll inscribed with the Regimental motto EX ALIS PUGNAMUS, Latin for “We Fight On Wings.” The lower portion of the shield contains diagonal stripes, an allusion to the design of the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI) of the 3^rd Infantry Division, the unit to which the Regiment has long been assigned.
 
A pair of spread wings in the chief (upper portion) of the shield section of the insignia symbolize the mission, with its placement above the diagonal stripes representing the aviator flying above its supported organization, i.e., the 3^rd Infantry Division. The style in which the wings are rendered is commonly employed in the heraldry of Army Aviation units.

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. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.

For Enlisted personnel, the insignia is 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.