Heraldry and Insignia of the California State Military Forces
223rd Military Intelligence Battalion
 
Distinctive Unit Insignia
 
Design Approved: 27 April 1970
 
Description: A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Argent, a lightning flash palewise Gules and a doubled warded key and sword saltirewise Sable, overall a hurt (Oriental Blue) gridlined Argent. Attached below and on either side of the shield, a Blue scroll inscribed "INSIGHT THROUGH INQUIRY" in Silver letters.
 
Symbolism: The lightning flash denoted the unit's signal intelligence. The key imemblematic of knowledge, authority and security. The sword is symbolic of covert operations and military preparedness. The globe is the unit's worldwide scope.
 
Motto: INSIGHT THROUGH INQUIRY
 
Coat of Arms
 
Blazon:
Shield: Argent, a lightning flash palewise Gules and a double warded key and sword saltirewise Sable, overall a hurt (Oriental Blue) gridlined Argent.

Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the California Army National Guard: On a wreath of the colors, Argent and Gules, the setting sun behind a grizzly bear passant on a grassy field all Proper.

Motto: INSIGHT THROUGH INQUIRY.

 


Symbolism:

Shield:
Oriental blue is a color traditionally associated with Military Intelligence units. The lightning flash denotes the unit's signal intelligence. The key is emblematic of knowledge, authority and security. The black sword is symbolic of covert operations and military preparedness; the globe reflects the unit's worldwide scope.

Crest: The crest is that of the California Army National Guard.
 
Background: The coat of arms was approved on 27 April 1990.

 

Posted 13 December 2008. Updated 27 November 2018


Search Our Site
Google
Search the Web Search California Military History Online