Approved on 29 January 1971, the Distinctive Unit Insignia (often called a unit crest or DUI) of the 168th Military Police Battalion pays tribute to its predecessor unit’s service during World War II. The infantry color of blue is to commemorate the organization’s service as Company I, 117th Infantry, an element of the 30th Division, in the European Theater during World War II. Blue also recalls the Presidential Unit Citation streamer awarded the Company for its action in breaking the Siegfried Line, symbolized by the truncated pyramids that closely resemble tank obstacles (AKA “Dragon’s Teeth”).
The crossed gold swords stand for the French Croix de Guerre with Palm and Belgian Fourragere 1940 the unit was awarded, and the five points of the star are for five campaigns. The predominant colors of green and yellow reflect the unit's current status as a Military Police organization.
Constituted in the Tennessee National Guard as Company I, 117th Infantry of the 30th Division, the 168th Military Police Battalion then served in a couple of other roles as elements of the 20th Infantry Division—Headquarters and Service Company, 117th Armored Infantry Battalion (1954-1959) and HQ Company, 3rd Armored Rifle Battalion, 117th Infantry (1959-1963)—before being redesignated as HQ Company, 3rd Battalion, 117th Infantry in April 1963. It would finally be designated in the Military Police branch on 1 February 1968 when it was reorganized and redesignated as HQ and HQ Detachment, 168th Military Police Battalion and was relieved from assignment to the 30th Armored Division.
The Battalion has been called into Federal service twice since the launch of the War on Terrorism, once in 2003 and again in 2008. Following its 2003-2004 deployment to Iraq, the Battalion was selected for Valorous Unit Award for the extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy during Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was also awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its service in Iraq between 23 December 2008 and 2 October 2009.
As of Winter 2023, the 168th Military Police Battalion is a subordinate unit of the 194th Engineer Brigade, Tennessee Army National Guard.