Description
On a scarlet five-sided polygon tapered and pointed at top a gray saltire within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) gray border the scarlet area edged white, the saltire charged with a white chain throughout, crossed and broken at center by a white spear bendwise, 3 5/16 inches (8.41 cm) in height and 2 5/8 inches (6.67 cm) in width overall.

Symbolism
The scarlet is for bravery and also alludes to the blood of Virginia troops shed in defense of State and Nation. The color gray and the saltire refer to the Confederacy and also to unity of strength. The spear severing the chain symbolizes the breaking of the "chains of tyranny," and the constant readiness of the Virginia Commonwealth to fight for freedom, the color white referring to purity of purpose.

Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Virginia National Guard on 23 November 1956. It was redesignated with description amended for Headquarters, State Area Command, Virginia Army National Guard on 30 December 1983. The insignia was redesignated for the Virginia Army National Guard Element, Joint Force Headquarters and amended to update the description effective 1 October 2003. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-246)