Emblem Meaning:
An insignia is symbolic of an organization’s identity, embodied ethos, and actions. The 2d Intelligence Battalion insignia visually represents the unit’s character and identity through multiple interwoven facets.
In the center of 2d Intelligence Battalion’s logo is the Tudor Rose, also referred to as the Heraldic Rose, which represents secrecy and confidence. The Tudor Rose is common among intelligence organizations in the United States and United Kingdom. The design originates from the Wars of the Roses in 15th Century England. In practice, the symbol was displayed on doors and ceilings to mark locations where secret discussions were held leading to key decisions under the associated Latin phrase “sub rosa” or “under the rose.”
Behind the rose lies a key, which represents unlocking information and accessing knowledge. Generally, the key portrays revealing and concealing information influential to power. For intelligence, this relates to actionable intelligence – analyzed information to enable key decisions relative to the threat.
Next, the concealed dagger expresses the inherent nature of our profession, and the danger it presents. The dagger alludes to the aggressive and protective requirements of military intelligence. A dagger is a fighting knife – we are here to fight and win. Through our actions and proficiency, we enable ourselves to strike at the enemy.
The rose, key, and dagger are overlayed on a series of playing cards. A deck of cards holds 52 cards across four suits, composed of 13 cards each. Over time, decks of cards were correlated to represent the 52 weeks of the Gregorian calendar year, its four seasons, and the approximate 13 weeks associated with each season. For 2d Intelligence Battalion, this means we are always on mission and working relentlessly to achieve success. Time is critical and we must optimize ourselves to enable the intelligence equities.
Lastly, above the cards is the all-seeing eye, sometimes referred to as the Eye of Providence or Eye of Horus. It is often depicted inside a triangle representing a watchful and omniscient power – ensuring vigilance and awareness. It is the capstone imagery within the insignia showing that our unit is always present and always watching to protect and reduce uncertainty.
Together, these symbolic elements reflect 2d Intelligence Battalion’s motto of “Audimus, Videmus, Novimus.” Each element is unified to represent our dedication to mission, our unyielding pursuit of critical intelligence, and our presence of mind to remain vigilant to exploit the enemy and bring the fight to their doorstep.
