The 168th Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia, better known as a “unit crest” or as a DUI, was originally approve on 12 December 1928 while the organization was designated as the 168th Field Artillery Battalion. Since then, it has been redesignated for the 168th Field Artillery Regiment on 9 January 1943 and for the 168th Field Artillery Battalion on 18 August 1943 before being rescinded on 1 September 1961. In April 1997 it was reinstated and redesignated for the 168th Regiment, with a correction made to the description on 5 May 1997, followed by a revision to the description 17 November 1997.
A bend taken from the arms of the provinces of Lorraine and Champagne reflect the lineage of the 168th’s forebear the 168th Field Artillery, with five fleurs-de-lis denoting the five major campaigns in which the unit took part in during World War I. The scorpion in the upper right symbolizes pre-World War I service along the Mexican Border, and a sheathed Roman sword—taken from the Spanish War service medal—signifies service in the Mexican War. “Accomplished With Energy” is the Regimental motto and captures the zeal and dedication to success of its members.
Distinctive Unit Insignias are 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. More 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.
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Since 1997, the 168th Regiment has been responsible for the management and administration of the 168th Regional Training Institute, the Colorado National Guard’s foremost training institution. Employing classroom instruction, live-fire ranges, training simulators, on-site lodging, its own supply and administration, and more, the 168th RTI offers classes that focus on and revolve around leadership. The most well-known of these are an Officer Candidate School, Warrant Officer Candidate School, and Basic Leader Course, rounded out by Army Basic Instructor, First Sergeant Pre-Command Course, Combat Lifesaver Course, and Small Group Instructor Training Course.
But the Regiment also has a combat heritage that predates its mission as an instructional unit. It is descended from the 1st Battalion, 148th Field Artillery that was an element of the 41st Division in World War I, but unlike the Division (which was relegated to a source of replacement troops) it saw combat in five campaigns in France. It was reorganized and redesignated as the 168th Field Artillery Battalion in 1926 and consolidate with the 117th Separate Squadron Cavalry to form a regiment, the 168th Field Artillery, in 1933. It was redesignated as the 168th Field Artillery Battalion in March 1943 and was the recipient of a Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, but was inactivated in January 1946. Reorganized and Federally recognized in January 1947, it would not be transformed into today’s 168th Regiment until a half-a-century later in 1997.
As the 168th Regiment Regional Training Institute, it is part of the Colorado Army National Guard and is located on Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Focusing on leadership development, the three main courses are Officer Candidate School, Warrant Officer Candidate School, and Basic Leadership Course.