Heraldry and Insignia of the California
State Military Forces
250th Military Intelligence Battalion
Distinctive
Unit Insignia
Design Approved:15 December 1998
Description:
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in
height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per pale Argent
(Silver Gray) and Vert, to dexter a rose Azure surmounted by
a dagger, hilt to base Gules, and to sinister a key, ward to
base Or; on a chief Celeste seven mullets forming the "Big
Dipper" constellation Or; attached below the shield is a
blue scroll inscribed "KNOWLEDGE POWER FREEDOM" in
gold.
Symbolism: Oriental blue and silver gray
are the branch colors. The "Big Dipper" constellation,
known also as Ursa Major or the Big Bear, represents the immense
scope of the military intelligence mission and recalls California's
state animal, the bear. The stars refer to California's gold
strike. The rose refers to the secrecy required by the mission,
The color blue recalls the Pacific Ocean and indicates world
wide capability. The dagger signifies readiness and the quiet
violence of intelligence activities. Red represents blood shed
by participants and their resources of courage. Green symbolizes
land, country and freedom, The key denotes security and the protection
of knowledge and data in war and peace. Gold signifies excellence.
Motto: KNOWLEDGE, POWER, FREEDOM
Organizational
Color
Coat
of Arms
Shield: Per pale Argent (Silver Gray) and
Vert, to dexter a rose Azure seeded and fructed Celeste (Oriental
Blue) surmounted by a dagger, hilt to base Gules, and to sinister
a key, ward to base Or; on a chief Celeste seven mullets forming
the "Big Dipper" constellation Or.
Crest: That for the regiments and separate
battalions of the California Army National Guard: From a wreath
Argent and Vert, the setting sun behind a grizzly bear passant
on a grassy field all Proper.
Motto: KNOWLEDGE POWER FREEDOM.
Symbolism:
Shield: The color oriental blue and silver
gray represent the Military Intelligence branch. The "Big
Dipper" constellation, known also as Ursa Major or the Big
Bear, represents the immense scope of the military intelligence
mission and recalls California's state animal, the bear. The
stars refer to California's gold strike. The rose refers to the
secrecy required by the mission. The color blue recalls the Pacific
Ocean and indicates worldwide capability. The dagger signifies
readiness and the quiet violence of intelligence activities.
Red represents blood shed by the participants, and their resources
of courage. Green symbolizes land, country and freedom. The key
denotes security and the protection of knowledge and data in
war and peace. Gold signifies excellence.
Crest: The crest is that of the California
Army National Guard.
Background: The coat of arms was approved
on 14 September 1999.
