143D MILITARY POLICE BATTALION
Distinctive Unit Insignia

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of three horizontal wavy blue bars between a gold demi-sun at the top and a light green mound in base all surmounted vertically by a red ragged staff, and saltirewise by two gold spears, and arced around base from the spear heads, passing over the ferrules of the spear staffs, a green scroll inscribed FLYING STEEL in gold letters.

Symbolism
Green and gold (yellow) are the colors used for the Military Police Corps.  Scarlet and gold allude to the units origin as Artillery and blue refers to the units Infantry assignment at that time.  The sun symbolizes knowledge and vigilance and a spear is emblematic of leadership, protection and guidance; together they represent the overall mission and capabilities of the organization.  The sun, spears, green mound and wavy blue bars, the latter a symbol for water, were suggested by the Great Seal of the State of California and refer to the allocation of the organization.  The design also suggests the bay area of San Francisco, and alludes to San Mateo, California, the units home.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 23 April 1976.




Coat of Arms

Coat of Arms

Blazon
Vert, on a fess engrailed Or three bars engrailed Azure and issuant therefrom a demi-sun in glory to chief, of the second garnished Green overall a staff raguly erect Gules fimbriated Yellow above and between two demi-spears issuant from base in saltire Or. That for the regiments and separate battalions of the California Army National Guard:  From a wreath Or and Vert, the setting sun behind a grizzly bear passant on a grassy field all Proper. FLYING STEEL.

Symbolism
Green and gold (yellow) are the colors used for the Military Police Corps.  Scarlet and gold allude to the units origin as Artillery and blue refers to the units Infantry assignment at that time.  The sun symbolizes knowledge and vigilance and a spear is emblematic of leadership, protection and guidance; together they represent the overall mission and capabilities of the organization.  The sun, spears, green mound and wavy blue bars, the latter a symbol for water, were suggested by the Great Seal of the State of California and refer to the allocation of the organization.  The design also suggests the bay area of San Francisco, and alludes to San Mateo, California, the units home. The crest is that of the California Army National Guard.

Background
The coat of arms was approved on 24 December 1997.





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