629th Military Intelligence Battalion, Maryland National Guard

629TH MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BATTALION, MARYLAND NATIONAL GUARD

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shield: Per chevron, paly of six Argent and Azure (Oriental Blue) a bend counterchanged, and of the first in base a panther's face Proper grasping two lightning flashes conjoined chevronwise of the second.
Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Maryland Army National Guard: On a wreath of the colors (Argent and Azure [Oriental Blue]) a cross bottony per cross quarterly Gules and Argent.
Motto: STALK THE PREY.

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height consisting of a shield blazoned as follows: Per chevron, paly of six Argent and Azure (Oriental Blue) a bend counterchanged, and of the first in base a panther's face Sable grasping two lightning flashes conjoined chevronwise of the second and attached across the bottom of the shield an Oriental Blue scroll doubled and inscribed "STALK THE PREY" in Silver letters.

Origin/meaning

Oriental blue is the primary branch color of the Military Intelligence Corps. The upper half of the shield alludes to the State flag of Maryland and identifies the home area of the battalion. The panther embodies the established nickname of the unit, "Prowler" and is a predator celebrated for its stealth and patience on the hunt. He is an appropriate symbol for a tactical level intelligence unit. The lightning flashes refer to speed of operation and the dominant role of Combat Electronic Warfare on the battlefield.

The Coat of Arms and Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 1 October 1987.

Literature: Image from http://www.milbadges.com/ and Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.