U.S. Army / U.S. Army Heraldry / Unit Insignia / Distinctive Unit Insignia, Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, Coat of Arms / Military Intelligence / 138 Military Intelligence Battalion /

138TH MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BATTALION
Skip Navigation Links.
Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned:  Per saltire Sable and Azure on a saltire Argent a key and lightning flash saltirewise of the second.  Attached below the shield a Silver scroll inscribed "FORTIOR EX VIGILIS" in Black letters.

Symbolism
Oriental blue is one of the colors for the Army Security Agency.  The color black represents secrecy and constancy.  The saltire alludes to the joint functions of intelligence and security.  The blue key is for guardianship and the lightning flash for electronic communications.  The motto translates to "Stronger After Vigilance."

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 314th Army Security Agency Battalion on 20 August 1963.  It was amended to correct the wording in the description on 8 November 1963.  The insignia was redesignated for the 138th Military Intelligence Battalion on 21 July 1983.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Per saltire Sable and Azure on a saltire Argent a key and lightning flash saltirewise of the second.

Crest

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Army Reserve:  On a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure (Oriental Blue), the Lexington Minute Man Proper.  The statue of the Minute Man, Captain John Parker (H.H. Kitson, sculptor), stands on the Common in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Motto

FORTIOR EX VIGILIS (Stronger After Vigilance).

Symbolism

Shield

Oriental blue is one of the colors for the Army Security Agency.  The color black represents secrecy and constancy.  The saltire alludes to the joint functions of intelligence and security.  The blue key is for guardianship and the lightning flash for electronic communications.

Crest

The crest is that of the United States Army Reserve.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 314th Army Security Agency Battalion on 20 August 1963.  It was amended to correct the wording in the blazon on 8 November 1963.  It was cancelled on 9 June 1975.  The insignia was reinstated and redesignated for the 138th Military Intelligence Battalion on 21 July 1983.





Jump to Top