U.S. ARMY 257TH TRANSPORTATION BATTALION UNIT CREST (DUI)

The 257th Transportation Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, more commonly referred to as a “unit crest” or a DUI, was approved on 5 March 1997. A wheel forms the basis of the insignia, upon which an upright sword—a sign of military readiness and a reference to the Individual Soldiers whom the Battalion supports—has been superimposed Also superimposed over the wheel is a scroll emblazoned with the unit motto “Movers And Shakers.” A laurel wreath encircling the base of the wheel is a symbol of honor and achievement. An azure band encircling that portion of the wheel not covered by the laurel wreath is an allusion to air and sea transportation duties.

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. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.

The 257th Transportation Battalion is an Army Reserve unit headquartered in Gainesville, Florida. In late Summer 2011, it was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and 31 July 2012 it was named as the recipient of a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its outstanding performance between September 2011 and July 2012. The award specifically notes that the Battalion’s diversified movement-control missions— which included ground, air, and National Afghan Trucking Regulation responsibilities throughout the Combined Joint Operations Area-Afghanistan— were highly successful and ensured that U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps components, as well as other Coalition Forces, received necessary sustainment. Most recently, the Battalion conducted Land Navigation Training during Operation Ready Warrior at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin in August 2020.