U.S. ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COMMAND UNIT CREST (DUI)

Commonly called a unit crest, the Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command was first approved on 4 February 1972. Over two decades later, it was redesignated for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command on 17 November 1994, followed two years later by an amendment to change the unit motto. Nearly a quarter of a century elapsed before the organization was designated once again as the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command.

The insignia’s primary colors of maroon and white are traditionally associated with the Army Medical Department. A pair of serpents entwined on a flaming torch recalls the caduceus found on the Medical Corps branch insignia, with the torch symbolizing knowledge and research, and the hexagon holding the torch and serpents is used as a symbol for chemical formulas denoting the structure of matter. “Protect Project Sustain” has been the unit motto since 1996.

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. More 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," respectivel