The American Eagle is the national bird and is a symbol of strength and alertness. The radiating spokes of the compass rose depict the convergence of intelligence data from all areas of the world to a central point. The shield is the standard symbol of defense.
Intelligence provided to our policymakers is to help defend our country.
The design of the seal was approved and set forth on 17 February 1950 in President Harry Truman's Executive Order 10111. On a wreath argent and gules an American bald eagle's head erased proper. All on a circular blue background with a narrow gold edge.