Officially called a Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), the unit crest of the 297th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade was originally approved for the 207th Infantry Group on 8 December 1978. It was subsequently redesignated for the 297th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade on 1 September 2009, amended to update the description to reflect the unit’s new roles and to revise the symbolism.
The insignia’s encircling scroll is cast in red to symbolize courage, while the blue background of the insignia’s interior refers to the organization’s roots as an Infantry unit. A growling polar is an emblem of strength, endurance, and bravery, all qualities found in the personnel serving the combined role of traditional Infantry and military scouts that are alluded to by the crossed bayonet and arrow.
The bear is also a reference to Alaska’s nickname “Big Bear Country,” the unit’s home area, which is also recalled by the unit motto “Arctic Warriors.”
he 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.
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia."