On Aug. 17, 2005, The Institute of Heraldry granted the 49th Missile Defense Battalion their own Distinctive Unit Insignia, or DUI, and coat of arms.

The dark blue robes (or mantles) worn by Knights and Ladies of the Garter are eye-catching and feature the heraldic shield of St George's Cross which is sewn onto the left shoulder of the mantle.

Heraldry was once used to tell armies apart on the battlefield. Today's modern re-enactments of medieval battles follow a rich European tradition — with a twist.