470th Military Intelligence Brigade, US Army

470TH MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BRIGADE, US ARMY

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of an erect silver key, double warded in base, the bow of seven radiating rays and surmounting overall a blue torch with a red flame. Encircling the device in base, the ends terminating at the opposite lower corners of the flame, a blue scroll bearing the inscription “TRUTH SECURITY LOYALTY” in silver letters.

Origin/meaning

Oriental blue and silver gray are the colors used for Military Intelligence. The key, a symbol of authority, secrecy and wardenship, refers to the basic mission of the organization. The double wards allude to “intelligence” and “counterintelligence;” and the seven rays of the bow a reference to the numeral seven, symbolize the “revealing light,” security and wisdom. The torch represents guidance. Blue represents truth and red zeal and valor.

The Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved for the 470th Military Intelligence Group on 5 December 1969. It was redesignated with symbolism revised effective 16 October 1987, for the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade. The insignia was redesignated with description updated for the 470th Military Intelligence Group effective 16 October 2002. Literature: Images from Wikimedia Commons. Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.