It is a proud day for the Commander, Colonel Rodney X. McCants, and Soldiers of the 357^th Army Air & Missile Defense Detachment (AAMD-D), as they will be sporting their own distinctive unit insignia (DUI) and shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI) while mustering around their own unit colors. The unit, based in Germany, already has the new flag, while Soldiers wait for the new DUI and SSI to become available through the system.

     The 357^th AAMD-D’s new heraldic items are steeped in historic symbolism and were designed to represent not only the past and present but lend a focal point of  esprit de corps for the future Soldiers of the unit.

     357th AAMD-D’s DUI Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a scarlet shield embowed maroon point in base from which issue two stylized gold triangles representing searchlight beams of light between two gold dart-shaped fleches directed towards a demi-burst issuing from the top of the shield, all between two maroon motto scrolls, inscribed at top “CONTENDO IGNIS” and at base “HOSTIS PEREO” in gold letters.

     357th AAMD-D’s DUI Symbolism: Scarlet and yellow (gold) represent Artillery, maroon recalls the unit’s early history as a Transport Detachment. The embowed base of the shield symbolizes the coverage umbrella provided by the unit against air and missile attack, The searchlight beams, two dart-shaped flights and demi-burst at top represent the unit’s roots as the 357th Searchlight Detachment operating against air attack in Germany during World War II. The motto translates to “Missile Away - Target Destroyed.”

     357th AAMD-D’s SSI Description: A shield shaped embroidered device 3 1/4 inches (8.26 cm) in height by 2 5/8 inches (6.67 cm) in width overall edged with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) yellow border, consisting of a scarlet shield with three yellow piles and a scarlet demi-burst of nine points issuing from the top, all counterchanged.

     357th AAMD-D’s SSI Symbolism: Scarlet and yellow are associated with Artillery. The three piles represent searchlight beams, referring to the unit campaign missions in Germany as the 357th Searchlight Detachment during World War II. The demi-burst represents the destruction of enemy targets by the unit.

     Congratulations to the Soldiers of the 357^th AAMD-D, who will now be recognized from both near and afar, as the unique and distinct members they are!