The U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence Distinctive Unit Insignia, more commonly referred to as a unit crest or a DUI, was originally approved on 24 January 2008. It was subsequently on three occasions, the first two to correct the symbolism on 12 February 2008 and 17 March 2008 and the third to change the insignia’s shape and revised the description and symbolism on 16 September 2009.
A crossed bayonet and lightning bolt in the center of the insignia represent the Infantry and power and swiftness of Armor units. The configuration of the yellow, blue, and red areas was taken from the design of Shoulder Sleeve Insignias worn by Armored Divisions and is symbolizes both mobility and strike maneuver dominance. Yellow (Armor/Cavalry) and blue (Infantry) side by side are the embodiment of the Combined Arms Teams of Armor/Cavalry and Infantry units; the red section’s five sides are an allusion to the Pentagon and defense in general, as red is the color of sacrifice and courage and the yellow and blue components are symbolically moving forward as a projection of power from the Pentagon.
The star is a longtime heraldic symbol of guidance, with the Maneuver Center of Excellence serving as the focal point of the center of operations. A black scroll around the bottom of the insignia is a stylized simulation of a tank track and connotes mobility. “One Force, One Fight,” the Center’s motto, emphasizes the unity of joint operations and their fusion through its creation.
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Established by recommendation of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission, the Army Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, Georgia represented a merger between the Armor Center and School previously located at Fort Knox, Kentucky and the existing Infantry Center and School already hosted at Fort Benning. The relocation of the Armor School and Center was completed in 2011.
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. Current regulations do not permit the DUI to be worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
More 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.Related Items
Maneuver Center of Excellence Patch (SSI)