The United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command Distinctive Unit Insignia, better known as a unit crest or DUI, was originally authorized for the U.S. Army Space and Strategic Defense Command on 21 March 1996. It was redesignated for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command with an effective date of 1 October 1997, a move necessitated by both the change in the organization’s title and its establishment as a Major Army Command.
An eagle soaring above the globe symbolizes the unit’s mission and reinforces the motto, “Secure The High Ground.” An arc of stars simulates a gateway to space and its control, suggesting this is a crucial factor in achieving total preparation and maximizing military defenses.
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. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
The United States Army created the Space and Missile Defense Command on 1 October 1997 by reorganizing and redesignating the U.S. Army Space and Strategic Defense Command. Its two overarching missions are to ensure that Army Warfighters can access space assets (and the products they provide) to achieve decisive victories with minimal casualties, and that Warfighters are equipped with a missile defense able to protect our country, our deployed forces, and the deployed forces of our allies.