U.S. Military Intelligence Corps

On a gold color metal dagger, point up, 1 1/4 inches overall in height, a gold color metal heraldic sun composed of four straight and four wavy alternating rays surmounted by a gold heraldic rose, the petals dark blue enamel.

The insignia was originally approved in 1962 for the Army Intelligence and Security Branch and redesignated to the Military Intelligence Branch on 1 July 1967. The sun, composed of four straight and four wavy alternating rays, is the symbol of Helios who, as God of the Sun, could see and hear everything. The four straight rays of the sun symbol also allude to the four points of the compass and the worldwide mission of the Military Intelligence Branch. The placement of the sun symbol beneath the rose (an ancient symbol of secrecy) refers to the operations and activities being conducted under circumstances forbidding disclosure. The partially concealed unsheathed dagger alludes to the aggressive and protective requirements and the element of physical danger inherent in the mission. The color gold signifies successful accomplishment and the dark blue signifies vigilance and loyalty.

The plaque design has the branch insignia in proper colors (gold with dark blue roses). The letters are dark blue, the background is white, and the rim is gold.

A gold colored eared shield bearing a circle connected with the border by 13 radial ribs, within the circle a sphinx in profile couchant.

The insignia was authorized on 30 July 1923. The thirteen stripes on the shield converge toward a common point at the center where sits the sphinx, the symbol of wisdom and strength, thus symbolizing the collection of information by the Military Intelligence; and conversely from the center after evaluation, the military information is disseminated.

The Military Intelligence Branch, USAR, was merged with the newly established Army Intelligence and Security Branch on 1 July 1962 and the insignia was cancelled.

The coat of arms appears on the breast of a displayed eagle on the regimental flag. The coat of arms is: Azure (oriental blue), a key bendwise sinister in saltire with a lightning flash Argent, in fess point overall a sphinx Or. Displayed above the eagle's head is the Crest (On a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure (oriental blue) a torch Or enflamed Proper in front of two swords in saltire with hilts gold and blades of the first). The background of the flag is oriental blue and the fringe is silver gray.

A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned as follows: Azure (oriental blue) a lightning flash and a key ward up, saltirewise, superimposed by a sphinx Or; attached below the shield a gold scroll inscribed "ALWAYS OUT FRONT" in black letters. The regimental insignia was originally approved on 28 July 1986 but was revised on 24 March 1987 to change the sphinx from enamel to recessed and gold plated.

Oriental blue and silver gray is the colors associated with the Military Intelligence Corps. The key, flash and sphinx symbolize the three basic categories of intelligence: human, signal, and tactical. The flaming torch between the crossed swords of the crest suggests the illumination as provided by Intelligence upon the field of battle. The motto "ALWAYS OUT FRONT" reflects the forward location in gathering intelligence information.

A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches in height overall, consisting of a oriental blue oval-shaped, gold gridlined globe with its long axis placed vertically, and having at center a gold double-webbed key with bow at top and curving upward below the base of the globe two gold sprigs of oak conjoined at center.

Symbolism: The globe alludes to the worldwide intelligence of the Command and the key is symbolic of security and control. The oak leaves in base signify fortitude and endurance. The color blue is for excellence and wisdom.

The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved on 6 Apr 77 and revised to change the color from teal blue to oriental blue on 27 May 88.

On a battle-axe shaped shield with point to base, 2 3/4 inches in width and 3 1/4 inches in height overall, a field divided into quarters of silver gray at upper left and lower right, and oriental blue at upper right and lower left bearing in saltire a white torch with flame at upper right crossing a white lightning flash; overall at center a vertical yellow double-webbed key with bow in base, all within a 1/8 inch wide yellow border.

Symbolism: The quartered field alludes to the four primary intelligence functions: collection, analysis, production and dissemination of intelligence. The lightning bolt signifies worldwide electrical communications, both friendly and hostile, and the torch stands for knowledge and vigilance. The double-webbed key is symbolic of security and control. Gold and silver (yellow and white) denotes achievement and energy; gray and blue determination and loyalty.

Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved on 6 Apr 77 and revised to change the color from teal blue to oriental blue on 27 May 88. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-611)

On a gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a blue globe gridlined gold, the profiles in gold of the Minuteman and the head of a sphinx, back to back, the Minuteman facing dexter, the sphinx to sinister, surmounted and separated by a torch throughout gold, enflamed red, all encircled by a green laurel branch on either side, all above a semi-circular black scroll inscribed “ALWAYS ENGAGED” in gold.

Symbolism: Oriental blue is the color traditionally used by the Military Intelligence units. The globe denotes the Command’s worldwide mission. The profile of the Minuteman signifies the unit’s history and the affiliation as a Reserve component. The sphinx, the symbol of Military Intelligence, represents the unit’s operations to implement Military Intelligence. The laurel branches highlight this achievement. The torch alludes to guidance and eternal vigilance to achieve a global mission.

The distinctive unit insignia was approved effective 15 September 2005.

On a battle-axe shaped shield with point to base, 2 3/4 inches in width and 3 1/4 inches in height overall, a field divided into quarters of silver gray at upper left and lower right, and oriental blue at upper right and lower left bearing in saltire a white torch with flame at upper right crossing a white lightning flash; overall at center a vertical yellow double-webbed key with bow in base, all within a 1/8 inch wide yellow border.

Symbolism: The quartered field alludes to the four primary intelligence functions: collection, analysis, production and dissemination of intelligence. The lightning bolt signifies worldwide electrical communications, both friendly and hostile, and the torch stands for knowledge and vigilance. The double-webbed key is symbolic of security and control. Gold and silver (yellow and white) denotes achievement and energy; gray and blue determination and loyalty.

The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved on 6 Apr 77 and revised to change the color from teal blue to oriental blue on 27 May 88. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-611)

A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height overall consisting of a gold square, one point up with each point forming a stylized arrow bearing a gray scroll surmounted by a crossed gold quill and dagger, all surrounded by a gold wreath and enclosed at top and bottom by an oriental blue scroll inscribed "EXCELLENCE" above and "IN LANGUAGE" below in gold letters.

The colors oriental blue and silver gray are traditionally associated with U.S. Army Military Intelligence. The scroll and quill allude to research and the study of linguistics. The four arrows, pointing outward, refer to the global service of the unit and the processing of information. The gold wreath symbolizes the unit's goal of continued excellence and achievement.

The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 1 Dec 1988.

On an Oriental Blue rectangle arched at top and bottom with a 1/8 inch (.32cm) black border two inches (5.08cm) in width and three inches (7.62cm) in height overall, a diagonally crossed white quill and black dagger between four silver gray stylized arrows issuing from each side.

Symbolism: The colors oriental blue and silver gray are traditionally associated with U.S. Army Military Intelligence. The arrows allude to global service and intelligence from all sources. The quill refers to research and the study of linguistics; the dagger symbolizes the covert and military aspects of the unit's mission.

The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 1 Dec 1988.

A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches in height overall consisting of a silver color rectangle bounded on either side by a vertical white sword at left and a vertical black sword at right, point up, and enclosed at the top and bottom by two arched blue scrolls passing over the ends of the swords and inscribed "IN UNITATE" on the top scroll and "ET VIGILIA" on the bottom scroll in silver letters. On the rectangle a red oriental dragon, his body curved from left to right with tail at top and head below, grasping in his right claw a blue lightning bolt crossed over a blue double-warded key grasped in his left claw.

Symbolism: Oriental blue and gray (silver) are the branch colors of Military Intelligence. The red dragon represents the Orient and the lineage of the organization. The lightning bolt signifies worldwide electrical communication and the key symbolizes security and control; crossed in saltire, they represent strength and symbolize Army Security Agency and Military Intelligence united. The swords are adapted from the Military Intelligence branch insignia. Their colors, white and black, signify day and night and the continuous mission of the unit.

The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 501st Military Intelligence Group on 6 Jun 1978. It was redesignated on 8 Oct 1986 for the 501st Military Intelligence Brigade.

On a vertical rectangle arched convexly at top and bottom 3 inches (7.62cm) in height by 2 inches (5.08cm) in width divided vertically silver gray and oriental blue all within a 1/8 inch (.32cm) yellow border, a double warded inverted yellow key between two yellow lightning flashes issuing from upper left and right corners and conjoining the shaft of the key just above the double ward.

Symbolism: Oriental blue and silver gray are the branch colors of Military Intelligence, and also refer to the constant day and night vigilance mission of the unit. The key is symbolic of authority and control and alludes to security. The lightning flashes are symbolic of worldwide electrical communications and the double-warded key conjoined with the two lightning flashes symbolize military intelligence and security command united.

The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 4 Dec 1986.

A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in width overall consisting of a silver heraldic rose with blue petals, and red barbs between, and below, a red scroll with silver ends inscribed with the motto "HERE AND EVERYWHERE" in silver letters.

Symbolism: Military Intelligence is represented by the rose, adapted from the branch insignia, and a traditional symbol of secrecy. The barbs between the petals are red, representing patriotism and zeal, and form a pentagon behind the rose, a further military reference. The rose is oriental blue and silver, representing the distinguishing colors of Military Intelligence branch. The United States is symbolized by red, silver (white) and blue.

The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command CONUS Military Intelligence Group on 11 September 1985. It was redesignated on 1 January 1988 for the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade.

On a Dark Blue pentagon 2 1/8 inches (5.40 cm) on each side point up with a White star in each corner, a Celeste globe with Dark Blue grid lines charged with a Gold key in pale ward to sinister surmounted by a crossed White lightning flash and a Silver dagger point up with a Brown grip, all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) Black border.

The pentagon shape and globe symbolize the Brigade’s mission and support provided to the Department of Defense and the National Security Agency at locations around the globe. The five stars represent the five branches of service with which the Brigade conducts its mission. The key represents knowledge which demonstrates the unit’s ability to be the “First to Know.” The dagger with point up highlights vigilance, being on watch for the Nation and the stealth of the soldiers of the Brigade. The lightning bolt symbolizes the ability of the unit to strike fast with precision.

The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 25 October 2005.