US Army 2nd Military Intelligence Command Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description/Blazon A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height consisting of a black sword and two diagonally crossed silver lightning bolts surmounted by a shield divided vertically silver and black, charged with a chess knight counterchanged; all in front of a convoluted blue scroll passing over the sword grip and inscribed "VICTORY" at left, "THRU" at base and "KNOWLEDGE" at right, in silver.

Symbolism Oriental blue and silver gray are the colors associated with Military Intelligence. The sword represents military readiness and victory. The lightning bolts allude to the unit's technological abilities and the swift use of intelligence knowledge to thwart enemy plans. The chess knight embodies power in movement and direction and symbolizes the use of intelligence information in formulating military strategy and countermeasure. Black alludes to the covert or secret aspect of gathering intelligence information and silver, the search for truth. The day and night vigilance of the unit is symbolized by the contrasting colors and the shield symbolizes strength and defense.

Background The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 29 February 1988.