<< Combat Index home Combat Index Military Insignia US Army Insignia US Army Brigades 111 Air Defense Artillery Brigade Unit Insignia Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Or, an Avanyu Sable; a bordure gyronny of the first and Gules. Attached below the shield a gold scroll inscribed "MIRAS ARRIBA" in black letters. Symbolism: The shield of the coat of the arms of the 200th Artillery differenced by the addition of a border, divided red and yellow for Artillery, is used to indicate the descent of the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 111th Air Defense Artillery Brigade from that organization. The Avanyu is a figure representing happiness and prosperity, which was used by the ancient Pueblo Indians in New Mexico. Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 726th Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion on 9 Apr 1953. It was redesignated for the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery and Noncolor Bearing Units of the 111th Artillery Brigade on 30 Oct 1970. The insignia was redesignated for the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery and Noncolor bearing units of the 111th Air Defense Artillery Brigade on 9 Feb 1973. Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Description: On a yellow shield, 3 inches (7.62cm) in height overall, arched at the top and bottom, in base a yellow demi-sun, bordered scarlet, with seven scarlet rays two horizontal rays on each side and three vertical rays all the same length, with tops barbed all within a 1/8 inch (.32cm) scarlet border. Symbolism: The modified ancient Indian sun symbol of Zia was suggested by the State Flag of New Mexico. The barbed sun rays allude to the Brigade's mission to provide air defense for forward combat elements. The horizontal bars also symbolize defense and control, while the vertical bars allude to 111 further distinguishing the numerical designation of the 111th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. The colors red and yellow, the national colors of Spain, refer to the historical Spanish influence in New Mexico. Scarlet and yellow are the colors used for Artillery. Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 20 Jul 1973.