Description
On a yellow-edged red olla (Mexican water flash) 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width and 2 7/8 inches (7.30 cm) in height overall a yellow hawk's head with blue details of beak and eye resting on a torse of six segments alternately yellow and blue.

Symbolism
The shape of the insignia is a reference to that of the 34th (Red Bull) Infantry Division which was worn by Iowa guardsmen for approximately 50 years. The hawk's head on the gold and blue torse is adapted from the crest of the Iowa Army National Guard.

Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Iowa Army National Guard on 5 July 1968. It was redesignated for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment and nondivisional elements of the Iowa Army National Guard on 21 October 1970. The insignia was redesignated for Headquarters, State Area Command, Iowa Army National Guard on 30 December 1983. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-498)