A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in width overall consisting of a fleur-de-lis with a yellow middle leaf and tie and two white outer leaves, within and between the angle formed by two conjoined gold chevrons each enclosing a triangular blue background with a white apex.
The fleur-de-lis, an adaptation from the crest of Montana Army National Guard, symbolizes the geographical apportionment of the last of the states carved from the Louisiana Purchase. The colors yellow and white (gold and silver) of the fleur-de-lis refer to the inscription "ORO Y PLATA" from the State Seal and together with the gold chevrons further symbolize the rich gold deposits within the "Bonanza State." The simulated mountain peaks allude to "Montana," a Spanish word for mountain.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment and noncolor bearing units of the Montana Army National Guard on 11 June 1971. The insignia was redesignated effective 30 December 1983, for Headquarters, State Area Command, Montana Army National Guard. It was redesignated effective 1 October 2003, for the Montana Army National Guard Element, Joint Force Headquarters and amended to update the description.