638th Military Intelligence Battalion, Indiana Army National Guard
638TH MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BATTALION, INDIANA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
Official blazon
Shield: Celeste (Oriental Blue), a key and lightning flash saltirewise Argent (Silver Gray), overall a dagger palewise Sable.
Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Indiana Army National Guard: From a wreath Argent (Silver Gray) and Celeste Oriental Blue), a demi-lion rampant Argent, holding in dexter paw a laurel branch Vert.
Motto: FIRST OUT FRONT.
Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Celeste (Oriental Blue), a key and lighting bolt salterwise Argent (Silver), overall a dagger palewise blade Sable, pommel and hilt silver. Attached below the shield is a red scroll doubled inscribed "FIRST OUT FRONT" in silver.
Origin/meaning
Oriental Blue and silver gray are the colors traditionally used by Military Intelligence units. The lightning bolt alludes to the worldwide electronic mission of the battalion. The key refers to the security and secrecy which the unit conducts operations and activities. The dagger denotes military preparedness and the element of danger associated with the unit's mission. Black and gray denote day-night covert capabilities.
The arms were approved on 20 April 1999 and the Coat of Arms originally approved for the 638th Military Intelligence Battalion on 21 September 1998 was cancelled. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 20 April 1999, and the insignia originally approved for the 638th Military Intelligence Battalion on 21 September 1998 was cancelled. Literature: Image from Olompvo on Pinterest. Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.