MASSACHUSETTS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD ELEMENT, JOINT FORCE HQ UNIT CREST (DUI)

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 (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. Current regulations do not permit the DUI to be worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.

Enlisted personnel wear the insignia 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.

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," respectively.

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The Distinctive Unit Insignia of the Massachusetts Army National Guard Element, Joint Force Headquarters was first approved for the HQ and HQA Detachment and non-color bearing units of the Massachusetts Army National Guard on 7 January 1974. Before receiving its current designation on 1 October 2003, it was redesignated for the HQ, State Area Command of the Massachusetts Army National Guard on 30 December 1983.

According to The Institute of Heraldry, the motto ENSE PETIT PLACIDAM is a “contraction” of the motto on the state flag of Massachusetts. In fact, the phrase is a verbatim rendition of the first half of the state motto, which continues SUB LIBERTATE QUIETEM” and—according to the Institute—fully translates as “this hand opposed to tyrants searches, with a sword, for peaceful conditions under liberty.” Also taken from the state flag are the colors white, gold, and blue and the star above the motto, while the embowed arm wielding a sword is taken from the crest of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The arm is also old European heraldic image which some speculate is supposed to symbolize the “outstretched arm” of God (e.g., Deuteronomy 26:8, “So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders.”

Hansom Air Force Base is home of the Joint Force Headquarters, Massachusetts National Guard.

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MASSACHUSETTS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD ELEMENT, JOINT FORCE HQ UNIT CREST (DUI)