A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/16 inches (2.70cm) in width overall consisting of a gold color metal trumpet, mouthpiece up, entwined vertically with a cord, surmounting a green scroll arced on the left and right and looped below the trumpet, inscribed "BRAVE" on the viewer's left, "RIFLES" on the viewer's right, and the numeral "3" centered on the lower segment all in gold color metal.
The green scroll represents the regiment's original green facing on the uniform. The gold trumpet is from the crest of the coat of arms.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 3d Cavalry Regiment on 25 November 1922. It was amended to revise the description on 5 January 1923. The insignia was redesignated for the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment on 18 December 1951. It was redesignated effective 16 November 2011, for the 3d Cavalry Regiment with the description updated.