North Dakota National Guard Headquarters shoulder sleeve insignia

This insignia is the North Dakota National Guard Headquarters shoulder sleeve insignia approved by the Office of Quartermaster General, Department of the Army, on 29 April 1950. The crest appearing on the shield was approved as the State Military Crest by the Office of the Quartermaster General, Department of the Army, on 25 January 1926.

The shield is blue for infantry and is 2 3/8 inches in width and 2 ½ inches in height. The shield is a basic design that has been used throughout history to symbolize honor, lineage, authority, etc.

The crest (arrows and bow) is a sheaf of three white arrows, armed and flighted red, behind a stringed yellow bow with red grip. The three arrows and bow are from the Great Seal of the State of North Dakota and alludes to the Sioux Indian tribes that roamed the territory of North Dakota and signify mighty warriors and great hunters.

The colors of the arrows and bow are representative of the major components of the North Dakota National Guard with red representing Artillery, red and white representing Engineers, and the yellow representing Quartermaster and Cavalry which were once major units of the North Dakota National Guard. Below the arrows and bow is a wreath of six twists of alternating yellow and blue. This blue and yellow wreath reflects the history of the territory as part of the Louisiana Purchase.

Historically, colors also have been given other symbolism: Red for hardiness and valor; white for innocence and purity; and blue for diligence, perseverance, and justice.