Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard

SPECIAL TROOPS BATTALION, 1ST BRIGADE, 34TH INFANTRY DIVISION, MINNESOTA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

(Coat of Arms)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shield: Per bend sinister Azure and Tenné, a lightning bolt bendwise sinister and a key, ward upward and outward in saltire, the key head a fleur-de-lis, overall a sword erect throughout, point up, all below a mullet Or.
Crest: That for regiments and separate battalions of the Minnesota Army National Guard: From a wreath Or and Azure, a sheaf of wheat Proper.
Motto: Ante up all in.

Distinctive Unit Insignia, Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in heigth overall consisting of a dark blue and orange olla divided diagonally from right to left, with a vertical gold sword, point up, crossed diagonally in the middle of the blade a lightning bolt and key, ward up and out. Attached at bottom a green scroll inscribed "ANTE UP ALL IN" in gold.

Origin/meaning

Blue is the Colour of Infantry. The Sword represents Military Readiness also alludeing to the Unit's designation of the First Brigade as well as the mission requirement of beeing "first in". The Sword pointed towards the North Star, shows both purpose and direction. The lightning bolt suggests the Military Intelligence branch of electronic communication function and gathering of intelligence. The key denotes both the Quartermster and Military Police roles. The crossed key and lightning bolt signify cooperation and teamwork of the Brigade in support of the mission.

The Coat of Arms and the Distinctive Unit Insignia, was both approved on 4 October 2006.

Literature: The Institute of Heraldry, US Army