U.S. Army / U.S. Army Heraldry / Unit Insignia / Distinctive Unit Insignia, Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, Coat of Arms / Medical & Veterinary / Medical Research and Development Command /

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Shoulder Sleeve Insignia


Description
On a maroon hexagon, 3 3/8 inches (8.57 cm) in height and 1 7/8 inches (4.76 cm) in width overall, a white serpent encircling the vertical blade of a yellow sword point up with red flames, and in base the arched segment of a white globe; all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) white border.

Symbolism
Maroon and white are the colors used for medical organizations. The flames symbolize the benefits and advancements in medicine brought about by the efforts of research and development. The unsheathed sword signifies the Command's past role in a combat area and the continual ability to function in a combat mode through readiness. The single serpent indicates that the medical research program is limited to those problems which are unique to the military. The spherical segment denotes the worldwide activities of the Command. The hexagon alludes to the symbol used in chemical formulas for the structure of matter. Yellow (or gold) is symbolic of achievement.

Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 5 February 1979. Cancelled effective 1 June 2019.   (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-637)




Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8inches (2.86cm) in height overall consisting of a maroon hexagon, one point up,bearing on the two vertical sides a white curved segment on each side of a gold vertical flaming torch entwined with two gold serpents facing the flame, all in front of gold rays radiant from the hexagon and enclosed by a maroon scroll arched and touching the hexagon at the top inscribed ''PROTECT,'' folded in back of the hexagon at the sides, and on a curve touching the base point inscribed ''PROJECT-SUSTAIN,'' all letters gold.

Symbolism
Maroon and white are the colors used for theArmy Medical Department. The entwined serpents are suggested by the Army Medical Corps branch insignia and are associated with the art of medical healing. The flaming torch serving as the support refers to the guiding light of research and knowledge developed by the Command. The hexagon represents thesymbols used in chemical formulas for structure of matter. The white spherical segments together with the emanating rays represent the worldwide mission to provide facilities and materials for medical activities.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command on 4 Feb 1972. The insignia was redesignated for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command on 17 Nov 1994. On 21 Mar 1996 the insignia was amended to change the motto. Further redesignated to US Army Medical Research and Development Command on 1 June 2019.





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