Description
A blue shield 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) yellow border, charged with a coyote statant Proper on a wreath of yellow and blue.

Symbolism
The coyote is a native of South Dakota. As the territory was originally a part of the Louisiana Purchase, the twists of the wreath are yellow and blue.

Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, South Dakota National Guard on 27 December 1951. It was redesignated for Headquarters, State Area Command, South Dakota Army National Guard on 30 December 1983. The insignia was redesignated effective 1 October 2003, for the South Dakota Army National Guard Element, Joint Force Headquarters and amended to update the description and add a symbolism. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-178)