Shield
Azure, in chief a mullet Argent radiating two lightning flashes in chevron Or, above a phoenix rising from flames Proper within a hexagon of the third, wing tips extended outside the hexagon and edged of the last, charged on dexter wing a key erect, ward downward and outward, on sinister a battle axe, blade outward, the axe eye a wood bill, all Sable fimbriated Or.
Crest
From a wreath Argent and Azure, two palm fronds Vert surmounted by wings conjoined in base Gules, garnished and fimbriated of the first, between the wings in base a globe of the second, gridlined and fimbriated of the first, superimposed by a pheon Or, point up, upon each wing and above the globe a pheon, point up, Argent (Silver Gray).
Motto
AUDENTIA ET FORTITUDO (Courage and Strength).
Shield
The blue background represents the sky, acknowledging the appellation of "SKY SOLDIERS" given to soldiers of the 173d Airborne Brigade, by the Chinese Nationalist paratroopers in Okinawa. The star alludes to Polaris the North Star, guiding the Brigade's service members through tumultuous times. The lightning flashes signify speed and the electronics used in modern communication. The hexagon, the symbol of chemistry, indicates the technical expertise the Chemical Corps imparted to the Battalion in protection from chemical weapons. The phoenix, a mythological bird, after being consumed by flames arose anew from the ashes; symbolizes flight, rebirth, and renewal reminding the Battalion soldiers that they will have to continually transform themselves to meet emerging threats in the future. The key implies the knowledge Military Intelligence provides the Battalion. The battle-axe denotes Military Police troops of the Battalion; the wood-bill, a heraldic tool for lopping trees suggests the Engineer troops, historically called "Pioneer Troops."
Crest
The sphere and gold pheon alludes to the Battalion's campaign during World War I (the War of Nations). The pheon, above the sphere, signifies the unit's participation during World War II. The wing symbolizes the Airborne branch; the color of the wings suggests the decorations received as an Airborne unit, Presidential Unit Citation and Meritorious Unit Commendation. The pheon displayed on the wings denote the unit's service in Vietnam and the War on Terrorism. The palm fronds suggest the unit's occupation in Vietnam.
The coat of arms was approved on 21 April 2006.