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.The Distinctive Unit Insignia of the Special Troops Battalion, 35th Infantry Division was approved on 28 September 2007. Its dominant color is teal, the color set aside for use by units organizationally outside any of the Army’s specified branches (“branch immaterial”). A bend (diagonal bar) signifies defense, and its orange color is a reference to the unit’s Signal capabilities. Flag blue, the background color of the field below the chief, represents the organization’s affiliation with an Infantry unit, while the wagon wheel above the bend is a symbol of support for that unit.
The fleur-de-lis below the bend refers to the French origins of St. Joseph, Missouri, location of the Battalion. A silhouette of a horse and rider recalls the link of the Pony Express delivery of essential mail to the western United States, very similar to the responsibility of the Special Troops Battalion to provide essential communications to the 35th Infantry Division on the battlefield. This task is recalled by the motto, “Lightning Riders.”
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.