On a blue hexagon one side up, 1 3/4 inches (4.45 cm) on a side, a setting sun behind a grizzly bear passant on a grassy field all proper on a twist of yellow and red.
California is the Sunset State, the Golden Gate Commonwealth. The grizzly bear was on the flag of the California Republic. As the original settlement within the State was of Spanish origin, the twists of the wreath are yellow and red.
The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, California National Guard on 21 May 1952. It was redesignated for Headquarters, State Area Command, California Army National Guard on 30 December 1983. The insignia was redesignated effective 1 October 2003, for the California Army National Guard Element, Joint Force Headquarters and amended to update the description and add a symbolism. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-158)