<< Combat Index home Combat Index Military Insignia US Army Insignia US Army Battalions 431 Civil Affairs Battalion Unit Insignia Description: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Sable, a terrestrial globe Purpure gridlined Argent, issuant to chief therefrom a sun in its splendor Proper charged with a crescent Gules; overall a lightning flash Or and a parchment scroll white saltirewise surmounted by a sword point up throughout of the third. Attached below the shield is a black scroll inscribed "MAKING ORDER OUT OF CHAOS" in silver letters. Symbolism: The black shield symbolizes solidity, strength, and responsibility necessary to fulfill the Civil Affairs mission. Purple and white represent the Civil Affairs Branch. The sun refers to the universal need for service and sustenance and, with black, alludes to day and night responsiveness to mission needs. The crescent and world reflect the unit's campaign credit for Southwest Asia service. The lightning flash denotes speedy response; the sword indicates readiness. The parchment scroll signifies the administrative expertise common to Civil Affairs operation. Gold denotes excellence. Background: The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 31 Oct 1996. Coat of Arms Description: Shield: Sable, a terrestrial globe Purpure gridlined Argent, issuant to chief therefrom a sun in its splendor Proper charged with a crescent Gules; overall a lightning flash Or and a parchment scroll Argent saltirewise surmounted by a sword of the third point up hilt yellow fimbriated red grip yellow. Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Army Reserve: On a wreath of the colors, Argent and Sable, the Lexington Minute Man Proper. The statue of the Minute Man, Captain John Parker (H.H. Kitson, Sculptor), stands on the common in Lexington, Massachusetts. Motto: MAKING ORDER OUT OF CHAOS. Symbolism: Shield: The black shield symbolizes solidity, strength, and responsibility necessary to fulfill the Civil Affairs mission. Purple and white represent the Civil Affairs Branch. The sun refers to the universal need for service and sustenance and, with black, alludes to day and night responsiveness to mission needs. The crescent and world reflect the unit's campaign credit for Southwest Asia service. The lightning flash denotes speedy response; the sword indicates readiness. The parchment scroll signifies the administrative expertise common to Civil Affairs operation. Gold denotes excellence. Crest: The crest is that of the U.S. Army Reserve. Background: The coat of arms was approved on 31 Oct 1996.