A magnolia, the state flower of Mississippi, forms the backdrop of the Distinctive Unit Insignia (unit crest) of the Mississippi Army National Guard (ARNG) Element, Joint Force Headquarters (HQ). Superimposed on the white blossom is a trident, the symbol of Neptune, the mythical god of fresh water and the oceans who was also called the “Father of Waters,” a title also used by Native Americans to describe the Mississippi River. At the bottom of the insignia, a red and white twisted wreath denotes the English origin of the predominant population within the state.
The insignia was first approved for the State Staff Corps and State Detachment, Mississippi National Guard on 20 January 1933, but was redesignated for HQ and HQ Detachment and non-color bearing units of the Mississippi ARNG on 18 February 1969. It retained this designation for a little over a dozen years, until it was redesignated for the HQ, State Area Command, Mississippi ARNG on 1 October 1982. On 1 October 2003, the insignia was given its current designation.
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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 (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.
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.
The Joint Force Headquarters of the Mississippi National Guard is located at Jackson, Mississippi.Related Items
Mississippi ARNG Element, Joint Force Patch (SSI)