A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 5/32 inches (2.94 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure, within a circle of thirteen mullets a mullet and a torch in pale and to base an inner half circle of five mullets, all Or. Attached above the shield from a wreath Or and Azure, a demi-lion rampant Argent, holding in dexter paw a laurel branch Vert. Attached below the shield a Gold scroll inscribed "SERVICE FOR SECURITY" in Blue letters.
The shield is adapted from the state flag of Indiana. The torch signifies liberty and enlightenment; the outer circle of stars represents the thirteen original states of the Union and the half circle of stars the five states admitted before Indiana. Indiana, the nineteenth state admitted, is represented by the single larger star. The demi-lion is the crest of the Harrison family whose history is most intimately associated with that of Indiana.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the State Staff and State Detachment, Indiana National Guard on 24 April 1935. It was redesignated for the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment and noncolor bearing units of the Indiana Army National Guard on 13 January 1971. The insignia was redesignated with blazon revised for Headquarters, State Area Command, Indiana Army National Guard, effective 1 May 1984. It was redesignated for the Indiana Army National Guard Element, Joint Force Headquarters and amended to update the description and add a symbolism effective 1 October 2003.