On a shield 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width and 2 7/8 inches (7.30 cm) in height divided per bend yellow and red with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) yellow border, a blue silhouette of a prospector kneeling and panning gold.
The shape of the shield has been adopted from the vigilante shield, symbol used by various vigilante organizations during early California history. The prospector is reminiscent of the "days of 49" when the discovery of gold in Northern California, present area of the Division, instigated the gold rush, bringing about the necessity for vigilante and other organizations, forerunners of the present California Army National Guard. The colors, red and yellow signify the early Spanish history of the State of California. Blue and gold (yellow) are the traditional colors of the State of California.
The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 5 July 1949. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-113)