<< Combat Index home Combat Index Military Insignia US Army Insignia US Army Branches US Army Military Intelligence Branch Branch Insignia Description: 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. Branch Plaque Description: 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. Branch Regimental Insignia Description: 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. Symbolism: 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. Branch Regimental Coat of Arms Description: 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.