525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

Description

On a rectangle arched at the bottom with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) yellow border, 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width and 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height overall, below a white and black checkered chief consisting of two rows of five squares each, a field divided from upper left to lower right with silver gray above oriental blue separated by a yellow lightning flash with point at lower right.

Symbolism

Oriental blue and silver gray are the colors traditionally associated with Military Intelligence. The lightning flash refers to the communication and electronic warfare functions of the unit. The checkered area alludes to the overt and covert aspects of the Military Intelligence mission with the black and white colors referring to constant vigilance day and night.

Background

The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the 525th Military Intelligence Brigade on 30 July 1985. It was redesignated effective 16 March 2008, for the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and amended to delete the airborne tab and update the description. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-698)

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description

A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in overall consisting of a black equilateral triangle charged with a gold lion rampant, in base two rows of alternating squares gold and blue (oriental), all above a voluted gold scroll inscribed “FAST FACTUAL FAITHFUL” in black letters.

Symbolism

The gold lion rampant on a black background was taken from the coat of arms of Heidelberg, Germany, where the Group was first activated. The triangular shape alludes to the deltas in Vietnam and symbolizes the unit’s service in that country. The triangle and lion with the checkered rows allude to tenacity, flexibility, and secrecy and represent the combined intelligence programs of the organization.

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 525th Military Intelligence Group on 26 May 1969. It was redesignated for the 525th Military Intelligence Brigade on 30 July 1985. The insignia was redesignated effective 16 March 2008, for the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade with the description updated.