US Army 3rd Military Intelligence Battalion Coat of Arms

Description/Blazon

Shield

Per bend Azure and checky Or and Gules in chief a chess-piece with a griffin's head Argent.

Crest

On a wreath Or and Azure a Vietnamese sunburst of the first surmounted by a bamboo cross pierced at center Proper.

Motto

WINGED VIGILANCE.

Symbolism

Shield

The colors oriental blue and silver gray are used to represent Military Intelligence and scarlet and gold to symbolize military strength and operational excellence. The griffin, traditionally a creature of vision, alertness and intelligence, is shown as a chess piece adjacent to a chessboard, suggesting the type of operation, requiring ingenuity and intellect, which the battalion is called upon to carry out. The squares on the chessboard represent the many Vietnam engagements in which the battalion participated.

Crest

The sunburst, taken from the Hien Nhan gate to the Imperial City in Hue, represents Vietnam and has three principal flames, suggesting the three Meritorious Unit Commendations awarded to the battalion. The bamboo cross stands for the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry awarded to the unit for service in South Vietnam.

Background

The coat of arms was approved on 22 November 1983.