CIA Armorial Banner - Central Intelligence Agency goes Medieval

The armorial banner is type of flag based upon the pattern of a shield.  Basically one takes the design of the shield and puts it on a flag.  The flag above is a consequence of doing this to shield that can be found on the coat of arms of the C.I.A.  It is a red rose compass upon a field of white.

The official C.I.A. flag to the left features a white shield with the same red rose compass.  In the helm position is a wreath (headband) of red and white with an eagle head crest.  The motto can be found in the compartment, the reads The United States of America in red on a yellow ribbon.

Most American flags often retain Old World heraldic features, but maintain a unique and often abstract elements.  Since there is no official heraldic authority to codify or enforce flag design.  US flags can have unique quasi-heraldic designs.

Giving the C.I.A. coat of arms the full heraldic treatment, the wreath and eagle crest are put on a knights helmet.  In the image below a jousting knight with bald eagle crest and decorated horse is visible with an armorial banner.  Crests designs and colours allowed the public to identify knights in regalia during parades and jousting tournaments.