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US Army Insignia

US Army National Guard



West Virginia Army National Guard

Insignia
Unit Insignia

  • Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in width overall consisting of a horizontally divided background of green and black surmounted by a horizontal repeat pattern of three gold mascles, those at either side interlaced by a curving blue scroll arching upwards behind the center mascle and the scroll continuing downwards in scarlet curving inwards to form a "V" shape at center inscribed "MOUNTAINEERS ARE FREE" in gold letters.
  • Symbolism: The upper half of the mascles on the green simulate the rugged mountains that gave the state the nickname "The Mountain State." The black area simulates coal mines and refers to the rich coal deposits within the state. The colors red for action and blue for freedom together with the State motto "MOUNTAINEERS ARE FREE" reflect the hardy independence of West Virginians.
  • Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment and noncolor bearing units of the West Virginia Army National Guard on 17 June 1971. It was redesignated effective 1 October 1982, for Headquarters, State Area Command, West Virginia Army National Guard.


Shoulder Sleeve
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

  • Description: On a dark blue disc 2 3/16 inches (5.56 cm) in diameter overall an ax and a rifle crossed in saltire above a powder horn, all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) border all yellow.
  • Symbolism: N/A
  • Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, West Virginia National Guard on 18 September 1950. It was redesignated with description amended for Headquarters, State Area Command, West Virginia Army National Guard on 30 December 1983.




Crest
Crest for Coat of Arms

  • Description: That for regiments and separate battalions of the West Virginia Army National Guard: From a wreath of colors, a slip of mountain rhododendron in full bloom and leaved Proper.
  • Symbolism: The mountain rhododendron is the State flower and appears on the flag of West Virginia.
  • Background: The crest was approved for color bearing organizations of the State of West Virginia on 4 April 1924.