156th Information Operations Battalion, Washington Army National Guard

156TH INFORMATION OPERATIONS BATTALION, WASHINGTON ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shield:Azure (Teal Blue), the winged foot of the mythological god, Mercury, charged with a lightning flash Or, surmounted by a Fairbairn-Sykes dagger bendwise point up Proper.
Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Washington Army National Guard: From a wreath Or and Azure (Teal Blue), a raven with wings endorsed issuing out of a ducal coronet all Proper.
Motto: Protecting Mercury

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 as follows: Azure (Teal Blue), the winged foot of the mythological god, Mercury, charged with a lightning flash Or, surmounted by a Special Operations dagger bendwise point up Proper. Attached below a Gold scroll inscribed “PROTECTING MERCURY” in Black letters.

Origin/meaning

Teal blue symbolizes the branch immaterial status of the organization whose operations include intelligence, communications, effects assessment tasking and information operations general support at all levels of command. The dagger recalls the Special Operations branches from which the unit evolved and denotes resources of strength and purpose in the dominant role filled within the information environment. Mercury, the messenger of the gods in mythology, is represented by the winged foot, charged with a lightning flash, signifying the Battalion’s mission to protect and defend information. His purpose and functions are protected by the special operations capabilities represented by the dagger. Gold denotes excellence.

The Coat of Arms and Distinctive Unit Insignia, was both approved on 4 September 2008. Literature: Image from http://www.milbadges.com/