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 (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.
For Enlisted personnel, the insignia is centered on a shoulder loop by placing it an equal distance from the outside shoulder seam to the outside edge of the shoulder-loop button. Officers (except Generals) wearing grade insignia on the shoulder loops center the DUI by placing it an equal distance between the inside edge of the grade insignia and the outside edge of the button.
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found 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 729th Support Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved for the 729th Maintenance Battalion on 5 July 1988 and was given its current designation on 28 September 1992.
A series of layered images in the center of the insignia is the focal point of the insignia. At the “bottom” are two blue, stylized peaks that symbolize the mountains of Maryland, the unit’s home area. Placed atop the mountains is a red short, which represents Fort Frederick, an installation that played a critical role in the military history of the state.
The fort is underneath a crossed hammer and a lightning bolt. The hammer, capable of being used as either a weapon or a tool, is an emblem of military technology as well as the maintenance and upkeep of weapon systems, while the lightning bolt symbolize a quick response to operational requirements, including mobilizing in response to State or Federal calls to service.
Encircling these images is scarlet belt, buckled to represent the organization’s teamwork, unity, and solidarity—all prerequisites for combat readiness. Inscribed on the belt in gold (the color of excellence and high achievement) is the “Maintain For Freedom” the unit motto.
The 729th Support Battalion is a unit in the Maryland Army National Guard.