US Army 15th Military Intelligence Battalion Coat of Arms

Description/Blazon

Shield

Azure (Oriental Blue), above a base rayonné Argent, a winged sphinx couchant of the last and in chief two plates partially superimposed fesswise the conjoined area Sable.

Crest

From a wreath Argent and Azure (Oriental Blue) a demi-dragon Gules charged on the shoulder with a cross paty Or grasping in dexter claws a scimitar of the like and in sinister claws a demi-rose Argent.

Motto

VIGILANTIA AD FINEM (Vigilance to the End).

Symbolism

Shield

Oriental blue and silver gray are the colors used for Military Intelligence. The winged sphinx, all-seeing and continually watchful, refers to the battalion's air reconnaissance support mission and also connotes the unit's motto "Vigilantia Ad Finem: (Vigilance to the End). The overlapping disks simulate camera lenses and allude to the stereoscopic capabilities provided by the organization in its performance of reproduction, identification and packaging of aerial imagery. The flames are indicative of heat sensor devices, wisdom and zeal.

Crest

Vietnam service is represented by the demi-dragon; the cross refers to the award of the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Campaigns in the defense of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are alluded to by the scimitar. The rose, derived from branch insignia, refers to "Sub Rosa," a term indicating secrecy. White and scarlet denote integrity and courage respectively. Gold signifies excellence.

Background

The coat of arms was approved on 13 February 1967. It was amended to include a crest on 7 January 1997.