Dark blue and white, the predominant colors found in the 157th Infantry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia, are colors historically associated with Infantry units (National Flag blue has been used for regimentals and guidons since 1835), while the gold use for the charges signifies insight.
The sea lion in the chief (top third of the insignia’s shield portion) is adapted from the arms of Manila, the Philippine Presidential Seal, and other Philippine government heraldry and recalls predecessor units’ service in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; the fleur-de-lis is for wartime service in France. A tomahawk alludes to the Native-America heritage of the state of Colorado, while the four mountain peaks represent four major mountains in the state (Long’s Peak, Pikes Peak, Mt. Evans, and Mount Blanco). The barbed wire along the border is a symbol of reinforcement and also is a reference to the taming of the West.
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. 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.
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The 157th Infantry Regiment was constituted in the Colorado Army National Guard on 1 October 2007 and organized eleven months later on 1 September 2008 to consist of the 1st Battalion, but its Headquarters Company inherited the campaign participation credits and military decorations in the lineage of existing units used in its formation. These include four campaigns from World War I, two from World War II, and one from the War on Terrorism, as well as a Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.
As of Autumn 2023, the Regiment still consists of just the 1st Battalion. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, the Battalion is made up of a HQ and HQ Company and four lettered Companies (A, B, C, D) and is supported by I Company, 186th Brigade Support Battalion detached from the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.