Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a Distinctive Unit Insignia is 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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Worn today by personnel in the 646th Regional Support Group, a United States Army Reserve unit, this Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved for the 646th Support Group on 29 February 2000. In its center is a large object that looks like a curved “x” intersected by a horizontal bar; this is called a mill-rind, the iron support used to hod up heavy millstones used to grind grain, and frequently seen in heraldy as a sign of support.
The mill-rind also alludes to the numerical designation of the unit: It has six extension, a four-sided collar (the square), and a six-sided hexagonal socket at the very center. The black disc on which the mill-rind rests refers to strength and solidarity of purpose; the scarlet is for sacrifice and courage; and gold is for excellence. Surrounding the entire insignia is a red circular garter, a visual representation of the organization’s all-encompassing mission that also recalls the wheels associated with the Quartermaster insignia of branch. “Commitment To Service” is the unit motto.
The 646th Regional Support Group is a subordinate unit of the 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), 79th Theater Sustainment Command. As of Summer 2023, The Group consists of the 687th Quartermaster Battalion, which comprises five Support Companies in addition to its Headquarters and Headquarters Company. All of the 687th Quartermaster Battalion units are stationed in the state of Wisconsin.