Heraldry

Shield. Azure, a mullet of nine points Argent surmounted by a pall Gules fimbriated Or charged with a demi fountain pen and a demi paintbrush issuant from dexter chief and sinister chief Proper, overall a Ka-Bar combar knife palewise point to chief of the fourth.

Crest. From a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure, surmounting an artist’s pallete Proper, perched atop a globe surmounting a fouled anchor bendwise sinister, an eagle displayed, in its beak a biparted scroll inscribed “SEMPER FIDELIS,” all Or.

Supporters. Behind the shield, an Officer’s Mameluke sword and a Model 1859 Noncommisioned Officer’s sword in saltire points to base Proper.

Motto. A triparted scroll Gules, inscribed “ITE AD BELLUM FACITE ARTEM” Argent.

Shield. The vigilence and perseverence of the United States Marine Corps is emblematized in the blue shield. This is also a nod to the distinctive blue uniform worn by Marines, which represents the values of the Marine Corps and has origins dating back to the American Revolution. Bursting beneath the elements of the shield is a white star, illustrating the dynamic action and intensity of combat. Its color signifies faithfulness, harkening back to the Latin motto of the Marine Corps “Semper Fidelis,” which translates to “Always Faithful.” The pall extending out in three directions alludes to the three facets of Marine Corps life that are documented by the Marine Corps Combat Art Program; on the battlefield (both in combat and training), during humanitarian efforts, and on the home front. It is rendered in scarlet and gold, the colors traditionally associated with the United States Marine Corps. The pen and the brush embody the art program itself while the golden Ka-Bar knife further pictorializes combat. This combat knife was first adopted by the Marine Corps in 1942, the same year the Combat Art Program was officially established. The two artist’s utensils are facing towards the Ka-Bar, pointing downward in a “bowing” position. This posturing serves to epitomize how the work of the Combat Art Program honors and pays homage to the United States Marine Corps.

Crest. The artist’s palette is iconic and captures the essense of inspiration and creativity, which is imbued into the works created through the Combat Art Program. The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor insignia overlaid depicts the intrinsic connection between Marines and self-expression through an artistic medium.

In heraldry, the wreath (or torse) is a critical element of a coat of arms, it was the twisted band composed of two strips of gold or silver lace and silk by which the crest is joined to the knight’s helmet. The torse is always composed of six twists of material displayed alternately. The first twist is the primary metal color (gold or silver) and the second twist represents the primary color of arms in the shield.

Supporters. The Marine Corps Officer’s Mameluke sword was adopted for use in 1825. The Marine Corps noncommissioned officer's sword was adopted in 1859. They recall the legacy of the United States Marine Corps and paired together denote partnership and support.

Motto. The Latin motto is translated into English as: GO TO WAR, DO ART.

Seal. The coat of arms as blazoned in full color upon a light blue disc edged in gold, enclosed by a scarlet designation band bearing the inscription “COMBAT ART PROGRAM” at top and “UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS” at bottom, separated by a tri-armed star on each side; all encircled by a gold rope along the outside.