550th Military Intelligence Battalion Coat of Arms

Description/Blazon Shield Argent, a lightning bolt bendwise point to base Azure, all within a bordure quarterly Gules and of the first (Silver Gray). Crest On a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure, 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 BLUE LIGHTNING.

Symbolism Shield Oriental blue and silver gray are the Military Intelligence colors. Blue also alludes to the 50th Armor (Jersey Blues) Division, the Battalion's Capstone Division. The colors red and white were suggested by the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 78th Division, to which the Battalion is assigned in peacetime. The lightning bolt relates to the Battalion's signal security and electronic warfare mission. The quartered border signifies military strategy. Crest The crest is that of the United States Army Reserve.

Background The coat of arms was approved on 2 June 1986.