Shoulder Sleeve Insignia.  Description:   On a shield 2 inches (5.08 cm) in width and 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) yellow border a field divided horizontally wavy with yellow above and blue below; on the yellow portion is a red disc with twelve teeth and a yellow center and on the blue portion a yellow vertical diamond.

        Symbolism:   The elements of the design symbolize the discovery of gold in California, alluding to the Brigade’s state of origin and to its numerical designation.  The yellow of the background refers to California’s popular nickname, “The Golden State.”  The red disc denotes the State’s sunny climate and alludes further to Sutter’s Mill, a saw mill located on the American River (represented by the wavy blue area), where the first gold nuggets, indicated by the yellow diamond shape, were discovered in California in 1849.  

        Background:   The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the 49th Infantry Brigade on 4 November 1966.  It was redesignated for the 49th Military Police Brigade on 13 September 1976.  It was cancelled on 1 April 1998.  The insignia was reinstated effective 16 January 2005, with the description updated.  (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-441) 

 

Distinctive Unit Insignia.  Description:   A device of gold color metal and enamel 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a black bear’s paw with claws pointed upwards in the center of a gold sun on a blue disc contained by a circular gold scroll bearing the motto “PRIDE AND POWER” in black, the lower ends of the scroll connected by gold links to a red band about the wrist of the bear’s paw.  

        Symbolism:   The gold sun set in blue is symbolic of the Californian’s pride in his state.  The bear’s paw is suggested by the powerful animal on the crest of the California Army National Guard and the band about the wrist denotes reliable control.

        Background:   The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 49th Infantry Brigade on 6 October 1967.  It was redesignated for the 49th Military Police Brigade on 13 September 1976.  It was cancelled on 1 April 1998.  The insignia was reinstated effective 16 January 2005, with the description updated.