250th Military Intelligence Battalion Coat of Arms

Description/Blazon Shield Per pale Argent (Silver Gray) and Vert, to dexter a rose Azure seeded and fructed Celeste (Oriental Blue) surmounted by a dagger, hilt to base Gules, and to sinister a key, ward to base Or; on a chief Celeste seven mullets forming the "Big Dipper" constellation Or. Crest That for the regiments and separate battalions of the California Army National Guard: From a wreath Argent (Silver Gray) and Vert, the setting sun behind a grizzly bear passant on a grassy field all Proper. Motto KNOWLEDGE POWER FREEDOM.

Symbolism Shield The color oriental blue and silver gray represent the Military Intelligence branch. The "Big Dipper" constellation, known also as Ursa Major or the Big Bear, represents the immense scope of the military intelligence mission and recalls California's state animal, the bear. The stars refer to California's gold strike. The rose refers to the secrecy required by the mission. The color blue recalls the Pacific Ocean and indicates worldwide capability. The dagger signifies readiness and the quiet violence of intelligence activities. Red represents blood shed by the participants, and their resources of courage. Green symbolizes land, country and freedom. The key denotes security and the protection of knowledge and data in war and peace. Gold signifies excellence. Crest The crest is that of the California Army National Guard.

Background The coat of arms was approved on 14 September 1999.