The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (unit patch) worn by members of the North Dakota Army National Guard (ARNG) assigned to the Joint Force Headquarters (HQ) of the state’s National Guard was first approved for HQ and HQ Detachment, North Dakota National Guard and was subsequently redesignated for the HQ, State Area Command, North Dakota ARNG on 30 December 1983. When it was given its current designation of North Dakota ARNG Element, Joint Force HQ on 1 October 2003, it was also amended to update its description and to add a symbolism.
Three crossed arrows and a bow are from the seal of state, the current version of which is based upon the written description of the seal of the Territory of Dakota that was enacted in 1862 – 1863. Today’s seal was not created until over a century later, when artist Lili Stewart’s design based on that textual description was selected. The twisted wreath is in blue and gold, the national colors of France and thus denoting that the territory that makes up the state was part of the Louisiana Purchase.
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North Dakota ARNG Element, Joint Force HQ Unit Crest (DUI)