31st Cavalry Regiment (United States) - Heraldry

Heraldry

Distinctive Unit Insignia

• Description: A Silver color metal and enamel device 1+1⁄₈ inches (2.9 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per bend sinister Gules and Argent, a crouching panther, tail elevated, Sable; to sinister a shrub Vert. Attached below a green motto scroll with the ends forming cat paws armed Sable, inscribed "CELER ET NON VISI" in Silver letters.
• Symbolism: Scarlet and white (silver) represent the Cavalry branch. The panther embodies the qualities emphasized by the motto, "Swift and Unseen." Black denotes strength and solidarity. The paws and claws terminating the motto scroll symbolize tenacity and a readiness to fight. The green of the scroll and shrub on the shield signify growth and the land which is a traditional cavalry environment. Scarlet also denotes courage and sacrifice.
• Background: The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 30 December 2003.

Coat of Arms

• Blazon:
• Shield: Per bend sinister Gules and Argent, a crouching panther, tail elevated, Sable; to sinister base a stand of grasses Vert.
• Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Alabama Army National Guard: From a wreath Argent and Gules, a slip of cotton plant with full bursting boll Proper.
• Motto: CELER ET NON VISI (Swift and Unseen).
• Symbolism:
  • Shield: Scarlet and white represent Cavalry. The panther embodies the characteristics and abilities noted by the motto's meaning, "Swift and Unseen." Black denotes strength and solidarity. The grasses signify growth and the land, the traditional home of cavalry.
  • Crest: The crest is that of the Alabama Army National Guard.
• Background: The coat of arms was approved on 30 December 2003.
  • Note: The present DUI as adopted by vote of members of the Troop while deployed for post 11 September 2001 Homeland Defense at Fort Stewart, Georgia as a part of Operation Noble Eagle. Historical research was conducted by then ranked SGT Rodger Williamson. The panther design was a homage to the World War II era unofficial DUI adopted by almost all Reconnaissance Cavalry Troops. That design was a yellow (for Cavalry) triangle (for Armor) with a leaping black panther (for the stealth and striking power of a Reconnaissance Unit.) Because E Troop, 31st Cavalry was in transition away from heavy Armored Cavalry into a light Brigade Reconnaissance Team, the yellow triangle was replaced with a red & white shield to indicate the colors of a Cavalry Guidon. The motto was suggested by then ranked CPT Stephen Messer who was the Troop Commander, and by Unit vote the motto was then translated into Latin. Artwork for the Coat of Arms and DUI was done by then ranked SSG Chris Smith.