A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 inch (2.54 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per chevron reversed debased Gules and Argent, in chief the crest for the National Guard of the State of Alabama Proper. Attached below the shield is a Silver scroll inscribed "POPULI VOLUNTATI SUBSUMUS" in Red letters.
Cotton is a great element of wealth in the State. As the predominant original settlement within the State was of English origin, the twists of the wreath are white and red. The motto translates to "To the Will of the People We Subordinate Ourselves."
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the State Staff Corps and Departments, Alabama National Guard on 16 November 1928. It was redesignated for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment and other noncolor bearing units of the Alabama Army National Guard on 6 June 1969. The insignia was redesignated with the description amended effective 30 December 1983, for Headquarters, State Area Command, Alabama Army National Guard. It was redesignated retroactive to 1 October 2003, for the Alabama Army National Guard Element, Joint Force Headquarters and amended to update the description and add a symbolism.