A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a vertical rectangle arced at top and bottom and divided nebuly from upper left to lower right, black above blue; issuing from lower left a green demi-sphere and from upper right four gold rays; on the blue an arc of three pheons points up and on the black, a gold star. Attached below the rectangle a green scroll doubled and inscribed NE TRANSEANT in gold.
The shield depicts the earth (green area), the atmosphere (blue area) and outer space (Black area). The role of US Army Strategic Defense Command is symbolized by the rays and the spearheads. The rays, symbolic of threats from outer space are countered by the defensive shield of spearheads (pheons) protecting the world. The color green is associated with growth and life; the star refers to hope; together they allude to the quest for world peace and the mission of the US Army Strategic Defense Command. The motto translates to They Shall Not Pass.
The distinctive unit insignia was approved for the US Army Strategic Defense Command on 18 May 1987.