Organizational Colors

The unit's organizational colors are the SSI on with a background color based on branch as defined by Army Regulation 840-10: Flags, Guidons, Streamers, Tabards, and Automobile and Aircraft Plates.

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

Description

Centered on a light blue square, edged white within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) red border (the square 2 3/8 inches (6.03 cm) on a side) and turned on its diagonal axis, a white magnolia blossom with yellow center and with green leaves forming the lower angle of the square behind a black trident with white detail and outline.

Symbolism

The magnolia blossom is the State flower of Mississippi and Neptune's trident is symbolic of the great river, Neptune being known in mythology as the "Father of Waters." The light blue of the background is for Infantry.

Background

The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Mississippi National Guard on 25 August 1960. It was redesignated for Headquarters, State Area Command, Mississippi Army National Guard on 30 December 1983. The insignia was redesignated effective 1 October 2003, for the Mississippi Army National Guard Element, Joint Force Headquarters and amended to update the description.

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description

A Gold color metal and enamel insignia 29/32 inch (2.30 cm) in width overall consisting of the crest for the Mississippi Army National Guard blazoned: On a wreath Argent and Gules a slip of magnolia in full flower with leaves Proper behind a trident Sable.

Symbolism

The magnolia blossom is the State flower of Mississippi and Neptune's trident is symbolic of the great river, Neptune being known in mythology as the "Father of Waters." As the predominant population within the State was of English origin, the twists of the wreath are white and red.

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for State Staff Corps and State Detachment, Mississippi National Guard on 20 January 1933. It was redesignated for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment and non​color bearing units of the Mississippi Army National Guard on 18 February 1969. The insignia was redesignated effective 1 October 1982, for Headquarters, State Area Command, Mississippi Army National Guard. It was redesignated effective 1 October 2003, for the Mississippi Army National Guard Element, Joint Force Headquarters and amended to update the description.

Organizational Colors

The unit's organizational colors are defined by Army Regulation 840-10: Flags, Guidons, Streamers, Tabards, and Automobile and Aircraft Plates.

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description

A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned:  Silver Gray a lozenge Or bearing a quill Gules, an orle of bezants.  Attached below the shield a Silver Gray scroll inscribed "DUTY HONOR" in Gold.

Symbolism

Silver gray and golden yellow are the colors traditionally associated with Finance units.  The bezants, which resemble coinage, form an orle to allude to unity.  The lozenge refers to the insignia of branch of the Finance Corps, and the quill represents the unit's functions and missions

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 23 January 1995.

Coat of Arms

Blazon

Shield: Silver Gray a lozenge Or bearing a quill Gules, an orle of bezants.

Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Mississippi Army National Guard:  From a wreath Or and Silver Gray, a slip of magnolia full flower with leaves Proper behind a trident Sable.    

Motto: DUTY HONOR.

Symbolism

Shield: Silver gray and golden yellow are the colors traditionally associated with Finance units.  The bezants, which resemble coinage, form an orle to allude to unity.  The lozenge refers to the insignia of branch of the Finance Corps, and the quill represents the unit's functions and missions.

Crest: The crest is that of the Mississippi Army National Guard.

Background

The coat of arms was approved on 23 January 1995.

Organizational Colors

The unit's organizational colors are defined by Army Regulation 840-10: Flags, Guidons, Streamers, Tabards, and Automobile and Aircraft Plates.

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description

A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per chevron abase Azure and Argent (Silver Gray), a doubled-headed wrench and airplane propeller in saltire Or and in base a stylized vortex Tenné. Attached below a bi-partite Blue scroll inscribed "CONSERVARE LIBERTATEM” in Silver.

Symbolism

Ultramarine blue and golden orange are the colors traditionally associated with Aviation units. The gold crossed wrench and propeller represent the 1108th Aviation Group’s mission of aviation maintenance for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The nebulée denotes the sky. The stylized orange vortex alludes to Hurricane Katrina that struck the unit’s home station of Gulfport, Mississippi, on 29 August 2005, severely damaging or destroying more than 75% of the Soldier’s homes. The image serves as a reminder that following the unit’s immediate release from active federal service, the Group continued to serve on Title 32 for more than 45 days as part of the overall Hurricane Katrina response effort in Mississippi. The motto translates to “Maintaining Freedom.”

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 19 December 2012.

Organizational Colors

The unit's organizational colors are the Coat of Arms on with a background color based on branch as defined by Army Regulation 840-10: Flags, Guidons, Streamers, Tabards, and Automobile and Aircraft Plates.

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

Description

On a teal blue arrowhead 3 1/8 inches (7.94cm) in height and 2 inches (5.08cm) in width, point up, a yellow dagger, its blade surmounted by three yellow lightning flashes, bendwise in pale, all inset 1/8 inch (.32cm) from the edge of the arrowhead. On a tab placed 3/16 (.48cm) inch above the insignia, the word "AIRBORNE" in yellow letters on a black background.

Symbolism

The arrowhead alludes to the American Indian's basic skills in which Special Forces personnel are trained to a high degree. The dagger represents the unconventional nature of Special Forces operations, and the three lightning flashes, their ability to strike rapidly by air, water or land.

Background

The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 27 Oct 1997. (TIOH Drawing Number A-1-834)

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description

A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height consisting of a pair of silver arrows in saltire, points up and surmounted at their junction by a silver dagger with black handle point up; all over and between a black motto scroll arcing to base and inscribed "DE OPPRESSO LIBER" in silver letters.

Symbolism

The crest is the crossed arrow collar insignia (insignia of branch) of the First Special Force, World War II. The motto is translated as "From Oppression We Will Liberate Them."

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 8 July 1960. The insignia of the 1st Special Forces was authorized to be worn by personnel of the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) and its subordinate units on 7 March 1991.

Coat of Arms

Blazon

Shield: Argent, a fighting knife in bend hilt to base Sable.

Crest: On a wreath of the colors (Argent and Sable), two arrows saltirewise Argent.

Motto: DE OPPRESSO LIBER (Liberate From Oppression).

Symbolism

Shield: The shield was approved for the First Special Service Force of World War II, 26 February 1943. The knife is of a distinctive shape and pattern and was issued only to the First Special Service Force.

Crest: The crest is the crossed arrow collar (branch) insignia of the First Special Force, World War II, changed from gold to silver for harmony with the shield and to make a difference from collar insignia. The motto more fully translated means, "From Oppression We Will Liberate Them."

Background

The coat of arms was approved on 8 July 1960.

Flash

Description

A teal blue rectangular shield, edged with a 1/8 inch (.32cm) white border, with arced base 2 1/4 inches (5.72cm) in height and 1 7/8 inches (4.76cm) in width overall on which is a diagonal red stripe 1/2 inch (1.27cm) in width extending from the viewer's upper right to lower left.

Background

The flash was approved on 27 Jun3 1967.

Background Trimming

Description

An oval-shaped embroidered item edged with a 1/8 inch (.32cm) yellow border, the overall dimensions 1 3/8 inch (3.49cm) in height and 2 1/4 inches (5.72cm) in width consisting of three equal horizontal stripes, scarlet over white over ultramarine blue.

Background

The background trimming was approved 18 May 1987

Organizational Colors

The unit's organizational colors are the Coat of Arms on with a background color based on branch as defined by Army Regulation 840-10: Flags, Guidons, Streamers, Tabards, and Automobile and Aircraft Plates.

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description

A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in width consisting of a red and blue arrowhead surmounted by a spearhead of white affixed to a green shaft; overall two silver color metal Barongs in saltire. Attached below the device a silver metal scroll inscribed “GUARDIANS OF HONOUR” in black letters.

Symbolism

The arrowhead alludes to New Guinea, World War II. The spearhead, representative of the arrowhead on the campaign streamer, is indicative of the Battalion’s participation in the assault landing on New Guinea. The crossed Barongs refer to service in the Philippines, World War II. The colors red, white, and blue represent the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation awarded the unit for service in World War II. The blue area is also commemorative of the Distinguished Unit Citation awarded the Battalion. The green is the color of the Military Police Corps. The upright position of the spear further alludes to the capabilities of the Battalion in their current mission

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 13 December 1968.

Coat of Arms

Blazon

Shield: Or, an arrowhead point up per pale Gules and Azure surmounted by a spear, palewise point to chief Vert fimbriated Argent barb of the last, overall a pair of Barongs in saltire of the like, all within a bordure Green.

Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Mississippi Army National Guard: From a wreath Or and Vert, a slip of magnolia full flower with leaves Proper behind a trident Sable.

Motto: GUARDIANS OF HONOUR.

Symbolism

Shield: The arrowhead and spear, representative of the arrowhead on the campaign streamer, is indicative of the Battalion’s participation in the assault landing on New Guinea during World War II. The crossed Barongs refer to service in the Philippines, World War II. The colors red, white, and blue represent the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation awarded the unit for service in World War II. The blue area is also commemorative of the Presidential Unit Citation awarded the Battalion. Green is the color of the Military Police Corps. The upright position of the spear further alludes to the capabilities of the Battalion in their current mission.

Crest: The crest is that of the Mississippi Army National Guard.

Background

The coat of arms was approved on 26 January 1998. The insignia was amended to correct the spelling of the motto on 29 January 2009.

Organizational Colors

The unit's organizational colors are the Coat of Arms on with a background color based on branch as defined by Army Regulation 840-10: Flags, Guidons, Streamers, Tabards, and Automobile and Aircraft Plates.

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description

Or, three dragons’ heads erased, conjoined in one neck, the faces looking to the chief, dexter, and sinister sides Gules, incensed Proper, the uppermost head affixed by a wreath of laurel of the third; all within a bordure of the second. Attached below the shield a Gold scroll bearing the inscription “DUM VIGILO PARO” in Black.

Symbolism

The use of the shield of the coat of arms of the 609th Coast Artillery Regiment (later redesignated as the 738th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion), differenced by the border, indicates the descent of the 204th Antiaircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion from the 2d Battalion of that organization. Scarlet (Gules) is the color of Artillery. The functions of the unit were represented by the dragons’ heads, alert in all directions, breathing fire, and thus indicating their readiness to oppose all encroachment. The laurel represents the wreaths bestowed upon victors in antiquity. The motto translates to “While I Watch I Prepare.”

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 204th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion on 17 April 1952. It was rescinded on 19 December 1974. The insignia was reinstated and authorized for the 204th Air Defense Artillery Regiment with the description and symbolism revised effective 1 October 1994.

Coat of Arms

Blazon

Shield: Or, three dragons’ heads erased, conjoined in one neck, the faces looking to the chief, dexter, and sinister sides Gules, incensed Proper, the uppermost head affixed by a wreath of laurel of the third; all within a bordure of the second.

Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Mississippi Army National Guard: From a wreath of the colors Or and Gules a slip of magnolia full flower with leaves Proper behind a trident Sable.

Motto: DUM VIGILO PARO (While I Watch I Prepare).

Symbolism

Shield: The use of the shield of the coat of arms of the 609th Coast Artillery Regiment (later redesignated as the 738th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion), differenced by the border, indicates the descent of the 204th Antiaircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion from the 2d Battalion of that organization. Scarlet (Gules) is the color of Artillery. The functions of the unit were represented by the dragons’ heads, alert in all directions, breathing fire, and thus indicating their readiness to oppose all encroachment. The laurel represents the wreaths bestowed upon victors in antiquity.

Crest: The crest is that of the Mississippi Army National Guard.

Background

The coat of arms was originally approved for the 204th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion on 17 April 1952. It was rescinded on 19 December 1974. The insignia was reinstated and authorized for the 204th Air Defense Artillery Regiment with the blazon and symbolism revised effective 1 October 1994.

Organizational Colors

The unit's organizational colors are the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia on with a background color based on branch as defined by Army Regulation 840-10: Flags, Guidons, Streamers, Tabards, and Automobile and Aircraft Plates.

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

Description

On a vertical blue rectangular embroidered device arched convexly at top and bottom, a pair of white wings elevated behind a red trident issuing from the base; all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) golden orange border. Overall dimensions are 2 1/8 inches (5.40 cm) in width by 3 inches (7.62 cm) in length.

Symbolism

Ultramarine blue and golden orange are the colors traditionally used by Aviation units. The wings represent the Brigade as an Aviation unit. The red trident suggests the 185th Aviation Brigade’s aerial firepower.

Background

The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 1 March 2007. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-917)

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description

A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of an ultramarine blue cloud formation of three lobes, surmounted by a white magnolia blossom with a yellow center and green leaves, in base a pair of silver wings displayed, all above a semicircular ultramarine blue scroll inscribed “ABOVE VALOR AND COURAGE” in silver letters.

Symbolism

The magnolia blossom symbolizes Jackson, Mississippi, the home station of the unit; the magnolia blossom also alludes to Louis Le Fleur, whose trading post at Le Fleur Bluff was located where Jackson, Mississippi now stands. The wings represent the Brigade as an Aviation unit.

Crest: The crest is that of the Mississippi Army National Guard.

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 131st Aviation Battalion on 7 October 1970. It was redesignated for the 131st Aviation Group with the description amended on 16 September 1987. It was redesignated for the 185th Aviation Group on 26 October 1987. The insignia was redesignated for the 185th Aviation Brigade with description and symbolism updated on 15 February 2007.

Organizational Colors

The unit's organizational colors are the Coat of Arms on with a background color based on branch as defined by Army Regulation 840-10: Flags, Guidons, Streamers, Tabards, and Automobile and Aircraft Plates. Images of both battalions' colors are in development. The image currently displayed represents the Regiment itself, which does not have an active regimental headquarters.

Organizational Colors

The unit's organizational colors are the Coat of Arms on with a background color based on branch as defined by Army Regulation 840-10: Flags, Guidons, Streamers, Tabards, and Automobile and Aircraft Plates. Images of both battalions' colors are in development. The image currently displayed represents the Regiment itself, which does not have an active regimental headquarters.

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description

A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per pale Azure and Tenné, a griffin sergeant grasping a sword in his dexter claw and a lightning flash in his sinister claw all counterchanged. Attached below the shield a Blue scroll inscribed “FIGHTING FOR THE FORCE” in Silver letters.

Symbolism

Ultramarine blue and golden orange are the colors associated with Aviation units. Blue is symbolic of devotion, loyalty and truth and recalls the sky, the unit’s theater of operations. The griffin combines the strength and courage of a lion with the vigilance and awareness of an eagle; attributes inherent to the basic mission of the organization. The sword reflects the fighting aspects of the unit. The lightning flash alludes to the speed with which the unit’s mission is carried out.

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 10 May 1989.

Coat of Arms

Blazon

Shield: Per pale Azure and Tenné, a griffin sergeant grasping a sword in his dexter claw and a lightning flash in his sinister claw all counterchanged.

Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Mississippi Army National Guard: On a wreath of the colors Or and Azure a slip of magnolia full flower with leaves Proper behind a trident Sable.

Motto: FIGHTING FOR THE FORCE.

Symbolism

Shield: Ultramarine blue and golden orange are the colors associated with Aviation units. Blue is symbolic of devotion, loyalty and truth and recalls the sky, the unit’s theater of operations. The griffin combines the strength and courage of a lion with the vigilance and awareness of an eagle; attributes inherent to the basic mission of the organization. The sword reflects the fighting aspects of the unit. The lightning flash alludes to the speed with which the unit’s mission is carried out.

Crest: The crest is that of the Mississippi Army National Guard.

Background

The coat of arms was approved on 10 May 1989.

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

Description

On an ultramarine blue oval fimbriated white with a 1/8-inch (.32 cm) olive drab border 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width overall, a white parachute above a white vol, overall, a yellow trident superimposed by a silver-gray dagger point up in base, all superimposed by three red lightning flashes bendwise. Attached above the insignia is a blue arced tab inscribed “AIRBORNE” in white letters.

Symbolism

The parachute represents the Airborne status of the unit and is a primary means of delivery of forces. The three lightning bolts represent the sea, air, and land mediums used for rapid deployment of forces. The dagger, a replica of the stiletto issued to the 1st Special Service Force, ties the organization to its U.S. Army Special Operations forefathers. The wings represent the rotary wing aviation component of the Army. The trident is representative of the U.S. Army Special Forces surface, sub-surface and small boat operations.

Background

The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 31 May 1995. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-818).

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description

A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a pair of silver wings displayed, the tips supporting an arced scarlet scroll inscribed “GUARDIANES DEL SUR” in silver letters enclosing two black dagger tips up saltirewise and below a blue field charged with the heads of a silver trident above two scarlet lightning flashes conjoined at the tips in base.

Symbolism

The enclosed area between the wings and scroll suggests the form of a parachute, representing delivery airborne forces. The lightning flashes denote rapid deployment and response. The wings symbolize the unit’s airborne status. The daggers refer to the organization’s heritage and historical ties to the 1st Special Service Force and the United States Army Special Operations; the tips are raised to indicate readiness. Scarlet signifies courage and sacrifice, black denotes strength.

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 18 July 2001.

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

Description

On a dark blue oval with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) red border, 3 1/8 inches (7.94 cm) in height and 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width overall, between two white stars are ten silver spears palewise superimposed by the Coat of Arms of the United States in Proper colors.

Symbolism

A modified version of the Coat of Arms of the United States, located on the obverse of the Great Seal, authenticates our country’s unity and our stand on defending the freedoms of the Homeland. The American eagle is also a symbol of strength and vigilance. The two stars represent the Adjutant General, the command level in each State to which these units report. The ten spears represent the Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams (WMD CST) located in the ten response regions of the United States. The spears also represent the organization’s heightened military readiness posture and that they are the initial military response to any WMD attacks as each WMD CST is the first unit sent to assess the situation, provide advice and support to civil authorities. The azure field represents the unit’s ability to conduct continuous day and night operations and the red border signifies the resolve to protect and save lives. The total design signifies the importance of the Teams’ mission to the peace and security in defense of our country.

Background

The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 4 September 2007. (TIOH Drawing Number A-1-939)