504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia
Description
On a blue shield 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm) in width with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) yellow border, a silver gray winged lightning flash with wings elevated the flash topped with a silver gray demi-fleur-de-lis.
Symbolism
Oriental blue and silver gray are the colors associated with the Military Intelligence branch. The wings suggest loftiness, or the advantage obtained from clear observation. The lighting flash alludes to the unit’s ability to respond accurately and quickly in support of the Commander’s needs for intelligence from all sources. The fleur-de-lis is both a symbol of intelligence and of the Brigade’s roots in the battles of Northern France and Central Europe. Yellow (gold) signifies excellence and achievement.
Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the 504th Military Intelligence Brigade on 19 December 1985. It was redesignated effective 16 March 2008, for the 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade with the description updated. (TIOH Drawing Number A-1-716)
Combat Service Identification Badge
Description
A gold color metal and enamel device 2 inches (5.08 cm) in height consisting of a design similar to the shoulder sleeve insignia.
Distinctive Unit Insignia
Description
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02) in height overall consisting of a vertical red winged lightning flash with wings elevated, tipped with a demi-fleur-de-lis, all within a continuous blue scroll arced at top and base and passing behind the wings and demi-fleur-de-lis at the sides and top and inscribed “SEMPER PRAEPARATUS” in gold letters; and all areas enclosed by the wings and scroll are checky of gold and silver gray.
Symbolism
Oriental blue and silver gray are the colors used for Military Intelligence; blue and gold signify loyalty and accomplishment. Wings connote loftiness, the vantage point for visual observation. The lightning flash and checky area represent technological capabilities; together they symbolize vigilant leadership, celerity, and communications. The checky and lightning flash also allude to the organization’s concern with strategic control over hostile communications and the security of friendly communications. The demi-fleur-de-lis, lightning flash, wings and checky area also refer to the lineage of the organization when constituted in 1942 as the 137th Signal Radio Intelligence Company, Aviation. The demi-fleur-de-lis is further used to denote Europe and the organization’s participation in Northern France, Central Europe and Rhineland Campaigns, World War II. The scarlet color refers to the Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer awarded the unit inscribed “EUROPEAN THEATER.” The motto translates to “Always Prepared.”
Background
This distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 504th Army Security Agency Group on 7 June 1976. It was redesignated for the 504th Military Intelligence Group on 22 May 1978. It was redesignated for the 504th Military Intelligence Brigade on 1 April 1986. The insignia was redesignated effective 16 March 2008, for the 504th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade with the description updated.