A disc 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in diameter with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) Army green border consisting of three horizontal stripes of equal width of blue, white and red, the blue uppermost.
The design was selected during World War I by General Pershing for wear by all personnel assigned to General Headquarters, American Expedition Forces (AEF). The source of the design is a red, white, and blue horizontally striped brassard worn as a distinguishing mark by staff officers when moving about on duty in congested areas at the front in World War I. In 1941, the brassard prescribed for General Headquarters, AEF consisted of three stripes of blue, white and red, the blue uppermost. Therefore, the insignia was authorized to be worn with the blue uppermost to conform to the manner of wearing the brassard.
The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved by General Headquarters, AEF, on 7 February 1919. It was approved by The Adjutant General on 17 June 1922. It was amended to change the manner of wear so that the blue would be uppermost on 19 July 1941. It was redesignated for Army Ground Forces on 27 March 1942. The insignia was redesignated for Army Field Forces on 11 May 48. It was redesignated for Continental Army Command on 9 September 1955. The insignia was redesignated for US Army Forces Command effective 1 July 1973. (TIOH Drawing Number A-1-192)