More commonly called a unit patch, the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia worn today by West Virginia Army National Guard (ARNG) personnel assigned to the Joint Force Headquarters (HQ) of the state’s National Guard is rendered exclusively in old gold and blue, the official state colors. The crossed axe and musket signify the Guard’s military and engineering capabilities, while the powder horn below them is a symbol of military readiness. The saltire (“x” shape) alignment of the axe and musket alludes to strength and solidarity.
This insignia was first approved back in September of 1959 for personnel assigned to the HQ and HQ Detachment, West Virginia National Guard. It was redesignated on 30 December 1983 for HQ, State Area Command, West Virginia Army National Guards and was subsequently given the current official designation—West Virginia Army National Guard Element, Joint Force Headquarters, West Virginia National Guard—on 1 October 2003.
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West Virginia ARNG Element, Joint Force HQ Unit Crest (DUI)