Special Troops Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Distinctive Unit Insignia
Description
A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per pale Azure and Gules, between two lightning bolts pilewise Or, a pile of the like bearing a stag’s head and neck erased Sable and at sinister a cross couped Argent; on a chief embattled Celeste (Oriental Blue) an old style pistol and a key saltirewise of the third. Attached around bottom and sides is a Black scroll inscribed “PROCINCTU ET FIDELIS” in Gold letters.
Symbolism
The combat arms colors scarlet, yellow, and blue and the silhouette of a stag’s head adapted from the 86th Infantry Brigade shoulder sleeve insignia, recall the unit’s heritage. The stag’s head also alludes to the Vermont Army National Guard’s crest. The cross brings to mind the legacy of the 172d Armor Regiment, from which the Special Troops Battalion came. The embattlements refer to the Engineer Company of the unit. The lightning bolts signify the Signal Company plus the Special Troops Battalion’s rapid deployment capabilities. The pistol represents the Military Police Platoon and the key with the medium blue color, Military Intelligence. The black contrasting with the gold symbolizes night and day, around the clock combat readiness. Red denotes courage and sacrifice; blue, loyalty and trust. Gold is emblematic of honor and high achievement. The motto translates to “Prepared and Faithful.”
Background
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 14 December 2006.
Coat Of Arms
Blazon
Shield
Per pale Azure and Gules, between two lightning bolts pilewise Or, a pile of the like bearing a stag’s head and neck erased Sable and at sinister a cross couped Argent fimbriated Silver Gray; on a chief embattled Celeste (Oriental Blue) an old style pistol and a key saltirewise of the third.
Crest
That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Vermont Army National Guard: From a wreath Or and Azure, a buck’s head erased within a garland of pine branches, all Proper.
Motto
PROCINCTU ET FIDELIS (Prepared and Faithful).
Symbolism
Shield
The combat arms colors scarlet, yellow, and blue and the silhouette of a stag’s head adapted from the 86th Infantry Brigade shoulder sleeve insignia, recall the unit’s heritage. The stag’s head also alludes to the Vermont Army National Guard’s crest. The cross brings to mind the legacy of the 172d Armor Regiment, from which the Special Troops Battalion came. The embattlements refer to the Engineer Company of the unit. The lightning bolts signify the Signal Company plus the Special Troops Battalion’s rapid deployment capabilities. The pistol represents the Military Police Platoon and the key with the medium blue color, Military Intelligence. The black contrasting with the gold symbolizes night and day, around the clock combat readiness. Red denotes courage and sacrifice; blue, loyalty and trust. Gold is emblematic of honor and high achievement.
Crest
The crest is that of the Vermont Army National Guard.
Background
The coat of arms was approved on 14 December 2006.