The 404th Civil Affairs Distinctive Unit Insignia, also referred to as a “unit crest” or a DUI, was approved for wear on 2 February 1995. In its center, is a blue that represents the globe seen on the unit crest for the Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations branch, a reference to the unit’s ability to deploy anywhere in the world. The Roman helmet on the disc is an allusion the Romans’ proficiency in Civil Affairs Matters and their acknowledgement of its importance in establishing successful governments. Behind the disc are two crossed scimitars, an allusion to the fact that the Battalion first saw action in the Southwest Asia conflict (some refer to it as the First Gulf War); the quill pen intersecting the scimitars is a reference to the branch insignia. “Safeguard The Future” is the Battalion 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. 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."
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Headquartered at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) is a subordinate unit of the 360th Civil Affairs Brigade, 352nd Civil Affairs Command. Active from the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom—the Battalion as a whole was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its outstanding service over the course of the first ten months of the opening campaign—the Battalion's component units superior service has been recognized on numerous occasions. Between February 2009 and June 2012, its various companies have received four Meritorious Unit Commendations (one apiece for a Detachment and Company A and two for Company D) and two Valorous Unit Awards (Company B). Its most recent large-scale activity included an Airborne exercise at its home station of Joint Base McGuire-Lakehurst that featured actual parachute drops and operations objectives for Soldiers to achieve after landing.
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