A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in height consisting of a demi-buck, black with scarlet antlers, springing between two gold branches of pine, the forefeet and antlers overlapping the pine, all above a blue scroll inscribed "READY TO GO" in gold letters.
The pine and buck, taken from the coat of arms of Vermont, associate the unit with that State. The colors - gold, red and blue, combined with black, are those used on the shoulder sleeve insignia for Armor organizations. The "springing" position of the buck indicates the unit's readiness to go.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the noncolor bearing units of the 86th Armored Brigade on 17 July 1967. It was rescinded on 1 September 1976. It was reinstated and redesignated for the 86th Brigade, 42d Infantry Division with the description updated on 11 June 2003. The insignia was redesignated for the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team effective 1 September 2006.