Commonly called a unit crest, the Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. But DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however, and not every Army unit has been authorized a DUI.
For Enlisted personnel, the insignia is 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.
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The New Mexico Army National Guard Element, Joint Force Headquarters Distinctive Unit Insignia consists of the solar symbol used by the Zia people of New Mexico placed upon a morion, the instantly recognizable helmet worn by Spanish soldiers beginning in the middle of the 16th Century.
For the Zia, the number four is considered sacred, and the four groups of lines emanating from the disc represent several concepts: the four main compass points, four seasons of the year, four periods of a 24-hour day (morning, noon, evening, night), and the four key personal attributes—strong body, pure spirit, clear mind, love and compassion for others—the Zia believed each person should develop.
This insignia was first approved for wear by personnel serving in the Headquarters (HQ) and HQ Detachment and non-color bearing units of the New Mexico Army National Guard (ARNG) on 17 April 1972. It was redesignated for HQ, State Area Command, New Mexico ARNG on 12 August 1985. It was given its current designation on 1 October 2003.
Joint Forces Headquarters, New Mexico National Guard is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Related Items
New Mexico ARNG Element, Joint Force HQ Patch (SSI)