In 1981, the Chief of Staff, Army decided to implement this system into an American version of a modern American Army. Unlike the combat arms branches, which are subdivided into numbered regiments and structured similar to brigades, Ml was to have only one regimental organization-the Ml Corps. This is true because three distinct segments of Army intelligence have united together to perform all-source intelligence for commanders from the United States President on down. Activation of the Ml Corps was the formal recognition of this cohesiveness. The Military Intelligence Corps Crest is an oriental blue shield with a golden sphinx superimposed over the crossed key and lightning bolt.
Oriental blue is symbolic of coolness and courage.
The sphinx symbolizes wisdom and silence. The color gold symbolizes achievement. The key is symbolic of security and control. And the lightning bolt signifies worldwide electrical communications.