Worn today by members of the 351st Aviation Support Battalion, the 351st Support Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 25 March 2009. The saltire (“X” shape, similar to a stylized hourglass) is rendered in brick red and buff. Brick-red is the Transportation Corps’ branch color and denotes the Battalion’s ability to move troops, equipment, and supplies. Buff (light brown) represents the unit’s Quartermaster responsibilities of providing supplies and services, with the pellets suggesting Ordnance and munitions and their number (13) recalling the 13 original colonies and South Carolina’s place among them.
A pair of wings naturally symbolizes flight and thus the organization’s support for Aviation assets. Besides providing the colors for Transportation and Quartermaster functions, the saltire is an emblem of teamwork and cooperation between different branches in order to achieve optimal performance for the whole unit. A gold orle—the narrow border inset from the edge of the shield—is an emblem of the Battalion’s ongoing effective operation in the midst of uncertain situations and challenges. “Always Superior” is the unit motto.
Also known as a unit crest or DUI, the 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 (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.
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia."♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
The 351st Aviation Support Battalion was originally constituted on 1 September 2006 in the Army National Guard of South Carolina, Kentucky, Michigan, Oregon, and Washington as the 351st Support Battalion and organized a year later from new and existing units. After 11 months of active Federal service in 2015, the unit reverted back to state control on 23 December 2015. It was reorganized to include the original Army National Guard organizations, plus the state of Florida, on 1 May 2017.
Headquarters and Support Company, 351st Aviation Support Battalion are located at Sumter, South Carolina.