On 02 Feb 1901, the 12th Cavalry Regiment, currently represented in the 3rd and 4th Brigades of the 1st Cavalry Division, Ft. Hood, Texas was constituted in the Regular Army. The regiment was organized 08 February 1901, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, with Colonel James N. Whelan, commanding. There it was charged with protecting stage and mail routes, building and maintaining forts, and establishing law and order in a vast area full of outlaws, Mexican revolutionaries. During the years of 1901 and 1902, following the organization at Ft. Sam Houston, companies of the regiment moved to Fort Clark, Fort Bliss and Fort McIntosh, all located in Texas. The early history of 12th Cavalry Regiment was closely tied to the movement of people and trading activities in the areas of the south western plains and along the Mexican Border.

The DUI consists of a shield blazoned: Or, a cactus Vert. Attached below and on the sides of the shield a scroll inscribed "SEMPER PARATUS". The cactus symbolizes the birthplace of this Regiment at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, as well as its service on the Mexican border. The motto translates to "Always Ready"

*Approx 2.5" x 2", chrome plated, zinc alloy, enamel paint
*Attaches with 3M adhesive