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186TH INFANTRY REGIMENT
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned:  Azure a tower (with doors partly opened) Argent masoned Or debruised by two dexter arms embowed fessways the forearms in saltire habited in chain armor each hand grasping a sword of the last the swords crossed in saltire.  On a chief of the third a rose Gules barbed and seeded Proper.  Attached below and to the sides of the shield a Blue scroll inscribed "CUSTODES PORTAE OCCIDENTIS" in Gold letters.

Symbolism
The rose is the general flower of the Northwest.  The two arms interlocked are indicative of military strength, ready to strike at an enemy who endeavors to enter the United States through the "Western Gate" (represented by the gateway in the tower).  They further allude to the fact that the parent organization, the 186th Infantry Regiment, had elements in both Idaho and Oregon.  The motto translates to "Guards of the Western Gate."

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 18 May 1925.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Azure a tower (with doors partly opened) Gray masoned Sable debruised by two dexter arms embowed fessways the forearms in saltire habited in chain armor each hand grasping a sword Or hilted Sable the swords crossed in saltire. On a chief of the fourth a rose Gules barbed and seeded Proper.

Crest

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Oregon Army National Guard: On a wreath of the colors Or and Azure, a demi-disc Gules charged with the setting sun with twelve light rays Or (the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 41st Division), behind a beaver sejant Proper.

Motto

CUSTODES PORTAE OCCIDENTIS (Guards of the Western Gate).

Symbolism

Shield

The rose is the general flower of the Northwest.  The two arms interlocked are indicative of military strength, ready to strike at an enemy who endeavors to enter the United States through the "Western Gate" (represented by the gateway in the tower).  They further allude to the fact that the parent organization, the 186th Infantry Regiment, had elements in both Idaho and Oregon.

Crest

The crest is that of the Oregon Army National Guard.

Background
 The coat of arms was approved on 28 may 1924.  It was amended to delete the crest for the State of Idaho on 22 April 1949.





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