Insignia Description
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per pale Argent (Silver Gray) and Vert, to dexter a rose Azure surmounted by a dagger, hilt to base Gules, and to sinister a key, ward to base Or; on a chief Celeste seven mullets forming the "Big Dipper" constellation Or; attached below the shield is a blue scroll inscribed "KNOWLEDGE POWER FREEDOM" in gold.

Symbolism
The colors oriental blue and silver gray represent the Military Intelligence branch. The "Big Dipper" constellation, know also as Ursa Major or the Big Bear, represents the immense scope of the military intelligence mission and recalls California's state animal, the bear. The stars refer to California's gold strike. The rose refers to the secrecy required by the mission. The color blue recalls the Pacific Ocean and indicates worldwide capability. The dagger signifies readiness and the quiet violence of intelligence activities. Red represents blood shed by the participants, and their resources of courage. Green symbolizes land, country and freedom. The key denotes security and the protection of knowledge and data in war and peace. Gold signifies excellence.

History
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 14 Sep 1999.

Source: The US Army Institute of Heraldry