A silver colored circular device 2 inches (5.08 cm) in height and 1 15/16 inches (4.92 cm) in width consisting of an annulet with 13 fivep oint stars. Within the annulet on arayed background between a halberd to dexter and a sword to sinister, a torch issuant from behind an open book with the words EXPERTO CREDE (meaning Believe One Who Has Had Experience in the Matter) on the pages, the flame haloed by three concentric rings. Over the book in base an owls quill surmounting all in base a designation scroll with the word INSTRUCTOR. Senior: A gold colored circular device 2 inches (5.08 cm) in height and 115/16 inches (4.92 cm) in width consisting of a green annulet with 12 five point stars arrayed around a polestar in chief all gold. Within the annulet on a rayed background between a halberd to dexter and a sword to sinister, a torch issuant from behind an open book with the words EXPERTO CREDE (meaning Believe One Who Has Had Experience in the Matter) on the pages, the flame haloed by three concentric rings. Over the book in basean owls quill surmounting all in base a designation scroll with the words SENIOR INSTRUCTOR. Master: A gold colored circular device 2 1/8 inches (5.40 cm) in height and 21/8 inches (5.40 cm) in width encircled by a laurel wreath a green annulet with 123 five point stars arrayed around a polestar in chief all gold. Within the annulet on a rayed background between a halberd to dexter and a sword to sinister, a torch issuant from behind an open book with the words EXPERTO CREDE (meaning Believe One Who Has Had Experience in the Matter) on the pages, the flame haloed by three concentric rings. Over the book in base an owls quill surmounting all in base a designation scroll with the word MASTER INSTRUCTOR.

All three badges represent knowledge, leadership and commitment. A ring of thirteen stars represent the original 13 colonies and the critical role that instructors play in building the new Army. The torch symbolizes zeal for training/education and commitment to lifelong learning. The concentric rings radiating from the flame of the torch symbolize the instructors role in institutional learning, unit training, self development and commitment to Soldier development. All three cohorts are represented through the NCO Halberd, Officer Sword, and the Owls Quill for Civilian Instructors. The open book symbolizes wisdom attained through training and education. On the open book is inscribed EXPERTO CREDE which means Believe one who has had experience in the matter. The upper most star in the senior and master level badges is a compass rose, also referred to as a leadership star. The master level badge has a laurel wreath edge which represents accomplishment.

Based on a 2010 needs analysis study, the TRADOC Commanding General staffed and approved an action to increase instructor selection, training and performance. Components of that action included creating Instructor Badges. A cost benefit analysis was completed. The Secretary of the Army approved the request on 7 June 2013. The Commanding General, TRADOC approved the designs on 6 August 2013.

See Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards.