31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade

SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIA Description: On a scarlet shield arched at top and bottom, 2 inches in width and 3 inches in height, is a yellow stylized missile centered vertically between two diverging and widening yellow stripes with three five-pointed yellow stars above the left strip and one five-pointed yellow star above the right stripe. The entire shield is surrounded with a 1/8 inch yellow border. Symbolism: The stylized missile represents the types of weapon systems employed by the Brigade; the sets of three stars and one star, its numerical designation of "31st"; and the yellow stripes represent radar beams employed for detection and acquisition. Scarlet and yellow are the colors used for Artillery. Background: The insignia was approved on 23 Oct 75. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-590) Distinctive Unit Insignia Description A gold colored metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches overall, consisting of a diamond shape one point down. The background is divided into five segments, alternate blue and white, converging at the top point of the diamond. The bottom outside edge of the diamond carries the taut string of the golden bow, which itself crosses horizontally the center of the diamond. An arrow is placed on the bow ready for firing point upwards. Above the bow are three red stars. On a gold motto scroll is the motto "Ready and Vigilant" in black. Symbolism The blue background represents the sky; and the two white segments symbolize the radar and electronic calculating device which pinpoint the enemy’s serial object. The golden bow alludes to the launching pad, and the arrow a missile. The red stars are the eventual hit explosions in the sky. The three stars are themselves the three of the "31st" and the arrow the "1." Background The insignia was originally approved for the noncolor bearing units of the 31st Artillery Brigade on 29 Aug 66, then redesignated for the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade on 5 April 72.