Worn today by Soldiers in the Virgin Islands Army National Guard (ARNG) assigned to the Joint Force Headquarters (HQ) of the Territory’s National Guard, this Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was originally approved for the Virgin Islands Army National Guard on 9 May 1974, a little under seven month after the organization was Federally recognized on 19 October 1973.
It was redesignated for HQ, Territorial Area Command, Virgin Island Army National Guard on 30 December 1983 at the same time that it was amended to update the description. The same process of concurrent insignia amendment was followed on 30 March 2009 when the insignia was given its current designation for Virgin Islands ARNG Element, Joint Force HQ, Virgin Islands National Guard.
Light blue and ultramarine blue are used prominently in the design of the insignia to recall the clear skies and water for which the Virgin Islands are famed. A trio of green triangles allude to the Territory’s main islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. Above the triangles, a disc of golden yellow with three beams radiating from it is a visual representation of the four Virgin Island ARNG units that were originally activated: Its HQ and HQ Detachment, the 666th Band, and the 661st and 662nd Military Police Companies. Additionally, the disc and beams are a symbol of the sunlight that bathes the island, and also form the initials “VI” for Virgin Islands.
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