A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a blue sky bearing at the top a gold five-pointed star above a white mountain peak flanked by a grove of green pine trees, in base a blue area bearing a white wavy bar, surmounted by a vertical gold anchor extending over the land area and base of mountain, at the top a semicircular gold scroll folded back at each end and inscribed "GREAT LAND," in base a scroll of the same inscribed "VIGILANCE" all in blue letters.
The white mountain peak between groves of Sitka Spruce, Alaska's State Tree, represents Mt. McKinley in south-central Alaska, the highest point in North America. The gold star on the blue field represents the North Star and Alaska's gold industry, and was suggested by the Alaska State Flag. The blue area and wavy white bar refer to Alaska's coastline, rivers and lakes. The anchor alludes to Anchorage, the headquarters of the organization; the anchor is also a symbol of strength and security.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment and noncolor bearing units of the Alaska Army National Guard on 14 October 1971. It was redesignated for Headquarters, State Area Command, Alaska Army National Guard effective 1 October 1982. The insignia was redesignated for the Alaska Army National Guard Element, Joint Forces Headquarters and amended to update the description effective 1 October 2003.