On a red square approximately 3 3/8 inches (8.57 cm) on a side a yellow "Thunderbird" displayed and wings inverted 1 7/8 inches (4.76 cm) in height, 1 5/8 inches (4.13 cm) in width, the square to be worn point up.

For wear by the 2d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment only:  Attached above the insignia is a tab consisting of a black scroll 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in length and 11/16 inch (1.75 cm) in height, with the inscription "AIRBORNE" in yellow letters.

The 45th Division was composed of Army National Guard troops of Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona.  As the territory was originally explored and settled by the Spanish, the insignia is gold and red, the Spanish colors.  The "Thunderbird" is an Indian symbol meaning sacred bearer of happiness unlimited.  The four sides of the insignia represent the four states comprising the Division.

The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the 45th Division on 22 May 1939.  It was redesignated for the 45th Infantry Brigade on 11 July 1968.  The insignia was redesignated for the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team with the description and symbolism updated on 1 July 2010.  (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-109 and TIOH Dwg. A-1-109A for 2-134th Infantry Regiment)