Battalion Color

In the United States Army, most Regiments, Battalions of Regiments, and Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE) separate Battalions possess a stand of “Colors”. The first is the National Color (i.e., the American flag) which is 36 inches by 48 inches in size trimmed with a 2.5-inch-wide gold fringe. The second is the Regimental, or Battalion, Color. The Regimental or Battalion Color is the same size as the National Color. The background color of each varies with the branch of service for that Regiment or Battalion (e.g., blue for Infantry, yellow for Armor and Cavalry, red for Artillery, etc.).

Battalions are authorized a coat of arms for display on their Organizational Color. A complete coat of arms consists of a shield displayed on the breast of the eagle from the Great Seal of the United States, a crest which appears over the eagle's head, a motto displayed on the scroll held in the eagle's beak, and the Battalion's name on a scroll below. The Battalion's number or designation is affixed in the upper right-hand corner of the fly.

As well as being powerful symbols of Regimental history and loyalty, Colors had an important practical function in the past. On smoky, dusty, and chaotic battlefields, they provided a rallying point for troops, helping to uphold both morale and command cohesion. Losing the Colors to the enemy was the greatest disgrace that could befall a Regiment, as it symbolized complete defeat. Correspondingly, capturing an enemy’s Colors was among the most glorious accomplishments a soldier could achieve in battle. Many would fight ferociously, or even recklessly, to do so.

Components

The Greyhound Battalion's Color is 36 inches by 48 inches in size trimmed with a 2.5-inch-wide yellow fringe. Its background color is National Flag blue underneath white scroll and embroidery elements to reflect the unit’s branch affiliation with the Infantry branch. The Infantry has made two complete cycles between white and light blue. During the Revolutionary War, white facings were prescribed for the Infantry. White was the color used for Infantry until 1851, at which time light or Saxony blue was prescribed for the pompon and for the trimming on Infantry horse furniture. In 1857, the color was prescribed as sky blue. In 1886, the linings of capes and trouser stripes were prescribed to be white. However, in 1902, the light blue was prescribed again. In 1917, the cape was still lined with light blue, but the Infantry trouser stripes were of white as were the chevrons for enlisted men. The Infantry color is light blue; however, Infantry Regimental flags and guidons have been National Flag blue since 1835. White is used as a secondary color on the guidons for letters, numbers, and insignia.

The coat of arms consists of a shield blazoned with Vert (Irish Green) and a bend Argent (Silver Grey). Above is a greyhound courant Argent (Silvery Grey). Attached below the shield is a silver scroll coming to a downward point in the center, inscribed “LOYOLA UNIVERSITY” in Green letters. Green and Grey are the university’s colors. The bend denotes protection. The greyhound is the university’s mascot.

The coat of arms is displayed on the breast of the eagle from the Great Seal of the United States. Within its right talon, the eagle holds an olive branch bearing 13 leaves and 13 fruit. Within its left talon, the eagle grasps a bundle of 13 arrows. The number 13 represents the 13 colonies. Together, the items in the eagle's talons stand for war and peace. 

Over the eagle's head is the lamp of knowledge in Or (Gold). The crest reflects the heraldic connection to U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Command. Below the crest is a ribbon of six in Grey and Green, reflecting the colors of Loyola University Maryland. A scroll is held in the eagle's beak with Loyola’s motto, "STRONG TRUTHS WELL LIVED", reflecting the university’s core Jesuit values since its founding in 1852 of academic excellence, care and focus on the whole person (cura personalis), integrity and honesty, diversity, community, justice, service, leadership, discernment, and constant challenge to improve. Below the eagle is a scroll with gold embroidery inscribed with the designation of the organization, "GREYHOUND BATTALION". The Battalion's designation, "ROTC", is affixed in gold and white embroidery the upper right-hand corner of the fly.