Typically referred to as a “unit patch” or “shoulder patch,” the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia worn today by Washington Army National Guard (ARNG) personnel serving in the Joint Force Headquarters (HQ) of the state’s National Guard is taken from the crest of George Washington’s coat of arms and features a raven emerging for a ducal coronet. Though originally called the Washington Territory (after “Columbia Territory” had been rejected as being too similar to the District of Columbia), the land that makes up Washington was originally contained with the Oregon Territory.
This insignia was originally designed and approved for personnel in the HQ and HQ Detachment, Washington National Guard on 15 August 1952. It was subsequently redesignated on 30 December 1983 for the HQ, State Area Command, Washington Army National Guard before being given its current designation on 1 October 2003.
Related Items
Washington ARNG Element, Joint Force HQ Unit Crest (DUI)