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542D MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BATTALION
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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:  Sable, a sword and lightning flash saltirewise surmounted by a stylized chess piece with a griffin's head Or, within a bordure compony Argent and Azure (Oriental Blue).  Attached below the shield, a gold circular scroll inscribed "THE EYES OF THE BATTLE" in Black letters.

Symbolism
Oriental blue and silver gray/white are the colors traditionally associated with Military Intelligence units.  Black denotes solidity while suggesting clandestine capabilities.  Gold alludes to excellence and achievement.  The sword and flash represent military preparedness and speed.  The border and chess piece suggest strategy and countermeasure tactics.  The griffin symbolizes vigilance with its keen eyesight and acute hearing.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 242d Military Intelligence Battalion on 30 July 1991.  It was redesignated for the 542d Military Intelligence Battalion on 29 October 1993.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Sable, a sword and lightning flash saltirewise surmounted by a stylized chess piece with a griffin's head Or, within a bordure compony Argent and Azure (Oriental Blue).

Crest

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Army Reserve:  From a wreath Or and Sable, the Lexington Minute Man, Captain John Parker (H.H. Kitson, sculptor), stands on the Common in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Motto

THE EYES OF THE BATTLE.

Symbolism

Shield

Oriental blue and silver gray/white are the colors traditionally associated with Military Intelligence units.  Black denotes solidity while suggesting clandestine capabilities.  Gold alludes to excellence and achievement.  The sword and flash represent military preparedness and speed.  The border and chess piece suggest strategy and countermeasure tactics.  The griffin symbolizes vigilance with its keen eyesight and acute hearing.

Crest

The crest is that of the United States Army Reserve.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 242d Military Intelligence Battalion on 30 July 1991.  It was redesignated for the 542d Military Intelligence Battalion with the blazon of the crest revised on 29 October 1993.





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