The 221st Cavalry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia, also called a DUI or unit crest, was originally approved on 18 September 1981 for the 221st Armor Regiment, Nevada Army National Guard. It was redesignated for the 221st Cavalry Regiment on 10 December 1997. In the chief (upper third) of the insignia is a silver (white) star on a blue background; the star is from the State flag and the colors are the state colors. The lower two-thirds of the shield feature a red pile on a yellow background, representing the branches of Armor-Cavalry (yellow) and Artillery in which both the current 221st Cavalry and its predecessors have served, with the pile recalling the blast trail of an Artillery rocket (the 221st was one of just a few Rocket Artillery organizations in the U.S. Army during World War II).
A galloping mustang, a horse noted for its rugged adaptability, is descended from the warhorses of Spanish Conquistadors and symbolizes a combat maneuver unit such as Cavalry or Artillery. “Never Broken” is the unit motto.
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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In 2010, the Squadron's HQ and HQ Company and four lettered Companies (A-D) were awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation for exceptional service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while assigned to the 4th Infantry Division from July 2009 to March 2010.As of Autumn 2023, the 221st Cavalry Regiment in 2020 is comprised of a single squadron, the 1st, that is assigned to the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, Idaho Army National Guard. The unit is headquartered in Las Vegas and is designated as an Armored Reconnaissance Squadron.