The Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), often referred to as a unit crest, is a badge of heraldry based upon a unit’s coat of arms. For more than fifty years, Army units with at least 500 military personnel assigned to them (half that number for operating agencies within the Department of the Army) may be authorized the creation of a Distinctive Unit Insignia. (For Joint Commands, there must be at least 500 Army personnel assigned to them in order to received authorization).
King Kamehameha’s spear is the focal point of the U.S. Army Military Police Brigade-Hawaii unit crest, emerging from a spot where two lightning flashes converge. The spear and lightning are superimposed over nine blue rays, while a scroll at the bottom has the inscription “Pacific Lightning.” Besides representing the unit’s Hawaiian heritage, the spear is an emblem of the Brigade’s mission to enforce laws swiftly and with necessary strength. The blue rays allude to the Pacific setting of the unit, which was disbanded in 2006 due to the arrival of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command and its subordinate command the 728th Military Police Battalion.
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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. 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.
Related ItemsMilitary Police Brigade-Hawaii Patch (SSI) Military Police Brigade-Hawaii Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)