U.S. ARMY 88TH READINESS DIVISION UNIT CREST (DUI)

Also known as unit crests, Distinctive Unit Insignias (DUIs) 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 (Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam.

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 88th Readiness Division Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally authorized for the 88th U.S. Army Reserve Command on 2 April 1970. It was reassigned and authorized for the U.S. Army 88th Regional Support Command, with the description and symbolism revised, on 16 April 1996. It was then redesignated for the U.S. Army 88th Regional Readiness Command with an authorized effective date of 16 July 2003. On 17 September 2008, it was redesignated effective for the 88th Regional Support Command, which became the 88th Readiness Division in 2017.

A blue quatrefoil at the base of the insignia recalls the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia of the 88th Division, later designated the 88th Infantry Division. A demi-fleur-de-lis is a reference to the Division’s service in France during World War I, while the tri-color combination (green, white, red) and three-pronged halberd symbolize three battle honors the Division earned while fighting Italy in World War II (the Italian flag is green-white-red). Further, the colors green and red are an allusion to the French Croix de Guerre with Palm embroidered CENTRAL ITALY.

The blue quatrefoil is suggestive of the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 88th “Blue Devils” Division and also simulates a lake; in combination with the demi-fleur-de-lis it forms a simulacrum of a compass with the needle pointing due north, a reference to the unit’s longtime location in Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes. On its own, the demi-fleur-de-lis refers to the division's World War I service in France. VERITAS CAPUT is the unit motto, a Latin phrase meaning "True Head." In addition to its Croix de Guerre from World War II, the unit was also the recipient of an Army Superior Unit Award for its service from 01 October 2005 to 30 September 2006.

As of Winter 2024, the 88th Readiness Division remains allotted to the U.S. Army Reserve and is headquartered at Fort Snelling, Minnesota.

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