Distinctive unit insignia (DUI) are authorized for those types of units listed in paragraph 28-22, AR 670-1. Units not listed in AR 670-1 (other than USAG) may request a DUI be authorized if the unit has at least 500 military assigned (250 for DA operating agencies). The Army element of joint commands may be authorized a DUI if the Army element has at least 500 Army personnel.

Distinctive Unit insignia are not available through the supply system. Commanders must submit a local purchase request to their contracting officer to procure the DUI.

The purchase must be made from an authorized manufacturer in accordance with AR 670-1.

A shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI) may be authorized for organizations listed in paragraph 28-16, AR 670-1 and for other organizations with at least 500 military assigned. A request for SSI should include a copy of the permanent orders activating the unit and a mission statement if the unit is TDA. TIOH will prepare a proposed design and forward it to the unit for concurrence. After the unit commander approves the design, TIOH will prepare a manufacturing drawing and authorization letter for the insignia.

TIOH will provide the commander instructions on how to obtain the insignia through local purchase procedures. Recently approved SSI are not in the supply system.

Resupply of SSI should be obtained through the supply system if they are in stock. SSI not in the supply system may be obtained through local purchase procedures.

All TOE regiments and TOE separate battalions are authorized a coat of arms for display on the organizational flag. The coat of arms consists of a shield displayed on the breast of the eagle on the organizational flag as shown in chapter 5, AR 840-10.

If the unit is active Army and has war/campaign service, a crest is also authorized. All reserve units have the same design (minuteman) and all national guard units display the crest authorized for the state to which assigned.

The request for the DUI is also used for the request for the coat of arms. TIOH will provide a design along with the distinctive unit insignia. After the command concurs with the design, TIOH will prepare a flag drawing and forward it to Army Support Office in Philadelphia for permanent retention.

After the organization receives the authorization letter for the coat of arms, a requisition (DD Form 1348-6 Manual) for the flag may be submitted to the Army Support Office, Philadelphia.