US Army 126th Military Intelligence Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description/Blazon A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 7/32 inches (3.10 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: 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 a heraldic rose of the like and Azure. The shield between two Silver scrolls inscribed "VIGILANCE" above and "AND STRENGTH" below in Black letters.

Symbolism 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.

Background The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 1 August 1988.