The 5th Aviation Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), or unit crest, was originally approved for the 5th Aviation Battalion on 22 May 1962. A little over a decade later, it was amended with a change to the shield colors and revised symbolism on 22 April 1983. It was given its current designation on 16 November 1987.
An ultramarine blue shield containing an orange numeral “5” incorporates the official Aviation branch colors into the Distinctive Unit Insignia of the 5th Aviation Regiment. A pair of white wings further signify the unit’s status as an Aviation organization, while a fleam—a medical instrument from the Middle Ages akin to a lancet—is used to render the number “5” in order to recall the 1st Aviation Battalion’s combat activities as a Reconnaissance Troop in World War II.
It also represents the combat activities of the 1st Aviation Battalion as a Reconnaissance Troop during World War II. It goes without saying that the shape of the fleam recalls the unit’s numerical designation and while memorializing the five Battle Honors that the 5th Aviation Battalion earned for World War II service.
“Acute and Alert” is the Regiment’s motto.
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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 (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.
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.
Full 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.
Today, 1st Battalion, 5th Aviation Regiment conducts general support Aviation operations and administratively supports the HQ, Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk and the United States Army Garrison in Louisiana.