More often called a unit crest or a DUI for short, the Distinctive Unit Insignia of the 5th Medical Brigade was first approved on 24 November 1982 for the 5th Medical Group. It was redesignated with an updated description and revised symbolism on 16 September 2011.
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. Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia."
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The 5th Medical Brigade is a United States Army Reserve unit headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, and the imagery on its DUI alludes to its locale in four different ways. First, the scarlet saltire, or “X” shape, is taken from the Alabama State flag; second, the red peak at the base of the cross is a stylized reference to Red Mountain, near the city of Birmingham; the flames over the cross allude to the industrial flames which light up the city at night; and the encompassing scroll surrounding the insignia suggests a magic circle to recall the city’s nickname of “Magic City.”
Leadership is symbolized by the torch over the maroon cross, reinforcing the message of the unit motto “Leadership And Service,” with the five tongues of flame denoting the unit’s numerical designation. The maroon cross is a longtime image of medical aid and assistance, and the three merlons (crenels in the embattled top of the cross) memorialize the three World War II campaigns in which the unit’s forebear organization fought. Distinguished service is signified by the laurel leaves at the base of the insignia.
The Brigade is a component of the 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support). In addition to its Headquarters and Headquarters Company, it consists of the 75th Combat Support Hospital based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and the 429th Multi-Functional Medical Battalion located in Savannah, Georgia.