126th Military Intelligence Battalion Coat of Arms

Description/Blazon Shield Celeste (Oriental Blue) a griffin rampant Argent grasping a double warded key with a lightning bolt shaft Gules, wards to chief of the second and the bow consisting of an heraldic rose of the like and Azure seeded Or and slipped Vert. Crest That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Army Reserve: From a wreath Argent and Celeste, 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 VIGILANCE AND STRENGTH.

Symbolism Shield Oriental blue and silver gray/silver are the colors traditionally associated with Military Intelligence. The griffin combines the keen eyesight and mobility of the eagle with the courage and prowess of the lion. He has acute hearing and is alert and watchful; the griffin epitomizes the unit's motto "Vigilance and Strength." The shaft of the key consists of a lightning bolt to highlight the electronic nature of the unit's mission; the bow is formed by a heraldic rose, adapted from the Military Intelligence Branch insignia, and referring to the "sub rosa" functions of the unit. The key, used both to secure and unlock, underscores military intelligence as essential to total preparedness. Crest The crest is that of the United States Army Reserve.

Background The coat of arms was approved on 1 August 1988.