The 486th Civil Affairs Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, also called a unit crest or DUI, was approved on 11 March 1998. A white (silver) Indian shield on purple background incorporates the branch colors of Civil Affairs, with the shield symbolizing defense and simultaneously alluding to Oklahoma, the Battalion’s home State.
A rolled-up parchment on the Indian shield is visual representation of the governmental nature of the Civil Affairs mission, and the olive branch signifies the ultimate goal of peace while serving as another reference to the state of Oklahoma. The green of the olive branch and the white parchment are the colors of growth and integrity of purpose. “Force Multiplier,” the unit motto, is inscribed on a scroll of black, the color denoting strength and forcefulness.
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.
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Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion is an Army Reserve unit assigned to the 304th Civil Affairs Brigade, 353rd Civil Affairs Command. Its contributions in the War on Terrorism have been recognized with several military decorations for its component units, with A Company being tapped for a Valorous Unit Award (for heroism displayed against armed enemies while attached to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1 December 2006 to 5 March 2007) and a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its service with the 81st Civil Affairs Battalion (17 December 2012 to 27 August 2013). And in May 2014, a Detachment from the Battalion was awarded a Navy Unit Commendation for service between February and November 2006.