376th Military Intelligence Battalion Coat of Arms

Description/Blazon

Shield

Sable, a demi-globe issuant from base Azure (Oriental Blue) gridlined Argent (Silver Gray), overall two swords pilewise reversed Or between in chief a stylized Rosetta Stone and the head of a sphinx of the third garnished of the first.

Crest

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Army Reserve: From a wreath Argent and Sable, 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

LANGUAGE IS OUR WEAPON.

Symbolism

Shield

Oriental blue and silver gray are the colors traditionally used by Military Intelligence units. Gold is emblematic of honor and high achievement; blue and black represent day and night and underscore around-the-clock vigilance. The joined swords signify teamwork and military preparedness, while the globe refers to the worldwide scope of the unit's mission. The Rosetta Stone symbolizes the decipherment of a language or system to ferret out meanings and, with the swords, reflects the Battalion's motto. The sphinx or silent guardian is a traditional symbol frequently used to represent Military Intelligence.

Crest

The crest is that of the United States Army Reserve.

Background

The coat of arms was approved effective 16 September 1997.