U.S. ARMY SERGEANTS MAJOR ACADEMY UNIT CREST (DUI)

The U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy Unit Crest was originally approved on 6 November 1972, just over four months after the Academy was established at Fort Bliss, Texas and two months before instruction began in January 1973. Its primary colors of green and yellow, along with the embowed chevrons, are associated with the basic device used for Noncommissioned Officers insignia of grade.

The gold links leading to the star symbolize the role of Sergeants Major as conduits between the enlisted cadre of a unit and the unit’s Commander. Besides denoting command, the star also is an emblem of the necessarily high evaluation that Senior NCOs must achieve for the advanced training and education offered in the Academy. A laurel wreath also represents the excellence in achievement required for selection to the Academy.

In the crest above the shield is a flaming torch, with its fire denoting zeal. Along with the open book, this indicates a passion to convey knowledge and explain the techniques that are part and parcel of enlightened leadership. A crossed sword and quill pent represent the combat and administrative services, respectively, from which the Academy’s students are gleaned.

As of winter 2024, the Sergeants Major Academy is a part of the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence at Fort Bliss, Texas.

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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.

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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U.S. ARMY SERGEANTS MAJOR ACADEMY UNIT CREST (DUI)