The 250th Military Intelligence Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, more commonly referred to as a “unit crest” or DUI, was approved on 14 September 1999. It features a shield portion that is divided into three sections, with the chief (upper third of shield) containing a rendering of the constellation Ursa Major (Big Bear), or “Big Dipper.” Besides denoting the expansive scope of the Military Intelligence mission, this constellation also recalls a bear, the state animal of California—home location of the organization. The individual stars also reference the gold strikes of the 19th century that brought settlers to the region in droves.
In the lower two-thirds, a dagger is surmounted on a rose: the rose is a symbol of secrecy, always a consideration in Military Intelligence, while the dagger suggests vigilance, readiness, and the subdued violence sometimes entailed by Intelligence activities, a concept reinforced by the dagger’s red color, the same as blood shed by those taking part in MI missions (particularly involving HUMINT). The green field on the right evokes images of freedom, land, and country
Oriental blue and silver gray represent the Military Intelligence branch. The "Big Dipper" constellation, know also as Ursa Major or the Big Bear, represents the immense scope of the military intelligence mission and recalls California's state animal, the bear. The stars refer to California's gold strike. “Knowledge Power Freedom” is the unit motto.
You can find guidance on wear of the DUI 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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The 250th Military Intelligence Battalion (Expeditionary) is a unit of the California Army National Guard. It conducts multi-discipline missions (CI, HUMINT, etc.) in support of land operations of varying sizes. It comprises its Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment (stationed in Long Beach) and three Companies (A, B, and C). It is commanded by the 100th Troop Command, California Army National Guard, and can also be directed by the 71st Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade of the Texas Army National Guard.