2nd Military Intelligence Battalion, US Army

2ND MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BATTALION, US ARMY

(Coat of Arms)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shield: Per chevron abased Azure (Teal Blue) and Argent,a chief dancetté of two enhanced of the last the apexes surmonted by tworoundels of the first counterchanged, and in base a sphinx rampant Sable armed Gules.
Crest: From a wreath Argent and Azure (TEal Blue), three scimitars, two in saltire points up, hilts and guards Gules and blades Argent (Silver Gray), one palewise point down, hilt and guard Gules Sheated Proper, overall a heraldic rose Or, garnished of the third.
Motto: Oculi cultus secreti (The Eyes of Intelligence)

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 chevron abased Azure (Teal Blue) and Argent,a chief dancetté of two enhanced of the last the apexes surmonted by tworoundels of the first counterchanged, and in base a sphinx rampant Sable armed Gules. Attached below the shield a silver scroll inscribed "OCULI CULTUS SECRETI" in Black letters.

Origin/meaning

The colours white and teal blue symbolises the Battalion's former status as an unassigned-to-branch unit. The Battalion's numerical designation and mission are suggested by two roundels or lensesdirecting their gaze downward. The Sphinx respresent the Intelligence Mission and its coloured Black to represent the Pfalz Area in Germany where the Unit was activated. The Shield of the arms of Pfalz is Black (Sable). The Scimitars symbolise military readiness and service in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The Rose is an ancient symbol of Secrecy.

The Coat of Arms and Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved for the 2nd Air Reconnaissance Support Battalion in 1 May 1962. They where redesignated for the 2nd Military Intelligence Battalion on 24 October 1963. The arms were amended to add a Crest on 24 February 2004. Literature: The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.