The full color tab is 2 3/8 inches (6.03 cm) long, 11/16 inch (1.75 cm) wide, with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) red border and the word "SAPPER" inscribed in white letters 5/16 inch (.79 cm) high. The woodland subdued tab is identical, except the background is olive drab and the word "SAPPER" is in black letters and the desert subdued tab has a khaki background with the word SAPPER in spice brown letters. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-865)

The Commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School and the CG, U.S. Army Human Resources Command are authorized to award the Sapper tab.

Awarded to U.S. military and civilian personnel, and foreign military personnel who qualify as prescribed. The basic eligibility criteria for award of the tab is as follows: (1) Successful completion of a Sapper Leaders course conducted by the U.S. Army Engineer School. (2) Any person who successfully completes a Sapper Leaders course conducted by the U.S. Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. (3) The tab may be awarded retroactively to any person who successfully completed the Sapper Leaders Course on or after 14 June 1985.

The Sapper tab may be revoked by the Commandant, U.S. Army Engineer School or the CG, U.S. Army Human Resources Command based on the recommendation of the field commander (Colonel or above), of the individual in question, if (in the opinion of that commander) the individual has exhibited a pattern of behavior, lack of proficiency, or duty performance that is inconsistent with expectations of the Army. That is, award of the Sapper tab may be revoked for any of the following conditions: (1) Dismissal, dishonorable discharge, or conviction by courts-martial for desertion in time of war. (2) Failure to maintain prescribed standards of personal fitness and readiness to accomplish missions commensurate with position and rank. (3) Upon relief or release for cause.

The Sapper Tab was approved by the Chief of Staff, Army, on 28 June 2004.

The Sapper Tab metal replica is available in two sizes, full and dress miniature. Soldiers authorized to wear the Sapper Tab may wear the Sapper Tab metal replica. The full size version is approximately 1 5/32 inches (2.94 cm) in width. The dress miniature version is 13/16 inch (2.06 cm) in width.

The full color tab is worn 1/2 inch below the shoulder seam on the left sleeve of the Army green coat. The subdued tab is worn 1/2 inch below the shoulder seam on the left sleeve of utility uniforms, field jackets and the desert battle dress uniform (DBDU). The full size metal tab is worn only on the blue and white dress uniforms and the AG shade 415 shirt. The dress miniature metal tab is worn on the blue and white mess and evening mess uniforms. When miniature medals are worn on the blue and white dress uniforms, personnel may wear the dress miniature Sapper tab metal replica. The tab is authorized for permanent wear. Further wear policy is contained in AR 670-1.