US Army 511th Military Intelligence Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description/Blazon A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height consisting of two griffins' heads back-to-back, gray on the left and oriental blue on the right, both having gold details, beaks and eyes, and centered at the bottom overall a Korean Taeguk in red above ultramarine blue emitting three white lightning bolts with points upward; all above a gold scroll with red back inscribed "PROUD AND READY" in red.

Symbolism Oriental blue and silver gray are the colors associated with the Military Intelligence branch. The lightning bolts refer to the importance of speed, electronics and communications to all intelligence activities and represent the unit's participation in three campaigns in the Korean Conflict in 1952-1953, and its multi-faceted intelligence mission. The Taeguk denotes the award of the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation to the organization. The griffins' heads suggest the role of intelligence units as the "eyes and ears" of the Army. The contrasting colors and back-to-back position of the griffins signify the round-the-clock and worldwide scope of the intelligence and security function.

Background The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 18 November 1985.