A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a blue obovate shaped background, the lower sides concave, bearing a gold palmetto, the trunk in back of a white eight-pointed star (one point up) with small gold center ("pierced" center), and in front of a white crescent (tips up), the inner (upper) edge touching the three middle points of the star on either side and terminating at the upper two points, all above a blue scroll, inscribed "PALMETTO MINUTEMAN" in gold letters, circumscribing the outer (lower) edge of the crescent, and the two outer portions (ends) of gold, each with one undulating fold tapering upwards and outwards and merging with the upper periphery of the background.
South Carolina is known as the Palmetto State and the palmetto, the official State tree, appears on the obverse of the State seal adopted 2 April 1776. A flag consisting of a white crescent (in the upper corner of the hoist) on a blue field was first displayed at Fort Johnson on James Island, South Carolina, shortly after it was taken and garrisoned 13 September 1775, by the two South Carolina Regiments formed at the outbreak of the American Revolution, the blue uniform of the troops and their silver crescent cap badges suggesting the design of the flag to Colonel William Moultrie, the garrison Commander. On 28 January 1861, the blue flag with its white crescent was modified by the addition of a white palmetto in the center, and has been since then the official flag of the State of South Carolina. A palmetto tree in its natural colors with a silver (white) crescent superimposed on the fronds was authorized 31 December 1923, as the official crest of the South Carolina National Guard; and the shoulder sleeve insignia authorized 19 March 1952 is similar in pattern to the State flag. The eight points of the "star" or spur rowel refer to South Carolina being the eighth of the original thirteen colonies to ratify the Constitution. A spur rowel in itself is symbolic of readiness, speed and determination in pressing onward despite all obstacles. A spur rowel also alludes to "winning one's spurs" - the performance of duty and the accomplishment of some action which brings honor.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment and noncolor bearing units of the South Carolina Army National Guard on 28 May 1971. The insignia was redesignated effective 1 October 1982, for Headquarters, State Area Command, South Carolina Army National Guard. It was redesignated effective 1 October 2003, for the South Carolina Army National Guard Element, Joint Force Headquarters and amended to update the description.