640th Military Intelligence Battalion Coat of Arms

Description/Blazon Shield Per pale Argent (Silver Gray) and Sable a chess knight Azure (Oriental Blue) charged with a lightning bolt palewise Or (Golden Yellow), a checky of the last and the second. Crest That for the regiments and separate battalions of the California Army National Guard: From a wreath Argent and Sable, the setting sun behind a grizzly bear passant on a grassy field all Proper. Motto WE SHALL.

Symbolism Shield Oriental blue and silver gray are the colors traditionally used by the Military Intelligence Corps. Gold is emblematic of excellence and black recalls stealth. The gold and black squares represent day and night plus the overt and covert operations of the unit's around the clock vigilance. They form the illusion of a chessboard and together with the chess knight, embody strategy and determination. The flash highlights speed of operation and emphasizes the role of combat electronic warfare on the battlefield. Crest The crest is that of the California Army National Guard.

Background The coat of arms was approved on 5 Aug 1999.