Shield.  Quarterly Argent and Azure, in first and fourth quarter on a bend of the field edged and cottised Gules two mullets of the last, in second and third quarter on a chevron embattled Or two chevronels Sable.

Crest.  From a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure, an American bald eagle perched with wings displayed fesswise Proper, grasping three arrows Or two saltirewise and one fesswise, bearing on its breast a shield blazoned as follows: Paly of thirteen Argent and Gules a chief Azure; encircling and emitting from the eagle rays of light alternating in size of the third.

Scroll.  A scroll Argent, doubled Azure, edged Gules and inscribed “MANPOWER & RESERVE AFFAIRS” Gules.

Shield. The quartered shield alludes to the mission of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) (ASD (M&RA)), which is to support the Total Force and their families through policy, programs, and services that strengthen military communities and the defense of the Nation.  The first and fourth quadrant display the official colors of the organization, old glory red and white.  The stars are a symbol of excellence and come from the ASD flag which has one red star in each corner.  The second and third quadrant feature a gold chevron embattled, charged by two black chevronels, signifying military strength and defense.  Combined, these signify the ASD (M&RA)’s responsibilities to Service members, characterized by the embattled gold chevron, and Department civilians and military communities and families via the black chevronels.  The blue triangle beneath the chevronels alludes to the tri-cornered hat of the Minuteman, long a symbol of the Department’s Reserve Component Service members who stand ready at a moment’s notice to defend the nation.  Together, the shield signifies unity and cohesion of the Total Force within the organization and the Department of Defense (DOD).

Crest. The wreath adopts the first-named metal and color from the shield and blazon—white and blue.  The American bald eagle is associated with emblematically representing the United States of America and its military establishment.  The eagle stretches its wings providing defense and support to the United Sates, which is expressed by the shield of upon its breast.  The thirteen pieces are joined together by the blue chief, characterizing a united nation.  The rays encircling the eagle denote glory, while the three arrows collectively depict the three component parts of the DOD – the Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, and the Department of the Air Force.

Scroll.  The scroll bears the nation’s colors of red, white, and blue.

Seal.  The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a light blue disc, within a white designation band edged with a red border and bearing the inscription “ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE” along the top and “DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE” along the bottom in blue; in between and on each side a small red disc.