Heraldry and
Insignia of the California State Military Forces
223rd Military
Intelligence Battalion
Distinctive
Unit Insignia
Design Approved: 27 April 1970
Description: A Silver color metal and enamel
device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of
a shield blazoned: Argent, a lightning flash palewise Gules and
a doubled warded key and sword saltirewise Sable, overall a hurt
(Oriental Blue) gridlined Argent. Attached below and on either
side of the shield, a Blue scroll inscribed "INSIGHT THROUGH
INQUIRY" in Silver letters.
Symbolism: The lightning flash denoted the
unit's signal intelligence. The key imemblematic of knowledge,
authority and security. The sword is symbolic of covert operations
and military preparedness. The globe is the unit's worldwide
scope.
Motto: INSIGHT THROUGH INQUIRY
Coat
of Arms
Blazon:
Shield:
Argent, a lightning flash palewise Gules and a double warded
key and sword saltirewise Sable, overall a hurt (Oriental Blue)
gridlined Argent.
Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions
of the California Army National Guard: On a wreath of the colors,
Argent and Gules, the setting sun behind a grizzly bear passant
on a grassy field all Proper.
Motto: INSIGHT THROUGH INQUIRY.
Symbolism:
Shield: Oriental blue is a color
traditionally associated with Military Intelligence units. The
lightning flash denotes the unit's signal intelligence. The key
is emblematic of knowledge, authority and security. The black
sword is symbolic of covert operations and military preparedness;
the globe reflects the unit's worldwide scope.
Crest: The crest is that of the California Army National
Guard.
Background:
The coat of arms was approved on 27 April 1990.