A gold metal and epoxy device ¾ inch (1.91 cm) in diameter, consisting of a gridlined globe bordered by a rope, surmounted at center by the Defense Health Agency shield, all in gold and encircled by a blue designation band, bearing the inscription “DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY” at top and “DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE” at bottom, the inscriptions separated by two roundels, all in gold.

The globe represents the health services provided for military men, women and their families both in the Continental United States and overseas. The gold rope, grid lines and trim represent Navy Medicine and its requirement to provide “Medical Power for Naval Superiority.” The shield represents Air Force Medicine and pays tribute to their ability to rapidly reach and render “Trusted Care, Anywhere” and Army Medicine and its commitment “To Conserve the Fighting Strength.” The eight stars represent the eight entities served by the Defense Health Agency. The staff of Asclepius is a symbol traditionally associated with military medical units. The motto, “PRO CURA MILITIS” translates to “The care of the warrior.”

The lapel was originally approved in 2016 and modified to include an eighth star in 2021.