US Army 376th Military Intelligence Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description/Blazon

A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: 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. Attached below the shield a Blue scroll doubled and inscribed "LANGUAGE IS OUR WEAPON" in Silver.

Symbolism

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.

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was approved effective 16 September 1997.