United States Africa Command is one of the Depart-ment of Defense’s Unified Combatant Commands with an area of responsibility that encompasses the entirety of Africa except for the nation of Egypt, which falls under the AOR of United States Central Command. Headquartered in Stuttgart Germany, the command was established on 1 October 2007 and activated one year later on 1 October 2008.
The blue background upon which the image of the African continents rests, as well as the blue behind the script “United States Africa Command,” is used to allude to the commitment of unity from the many nations of Africa to promote the U.S. Africa Command mission. Palm fronds cradling the lower half of the insignia denote the hopes of many African nations to achieve unity and harmony on the continent that will enable a prosperity that can also fuel individual liberty. A red border encompassing the blue ocean waters around the continent stand for liberation, while the green interior suggests the aforementioned prosperity. The stylized landmass is a symbol of the continent’s fortitude and the Command’s area of responsibility.
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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.
The U.S. Army Element, United States Africa Command Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 30 April 2008.
Related ItemsU.S. Army Element, United States Africa Command Patch (SSI)
U.S. Army Africa Command Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)