A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height consisting of a rectangle radiused top and bottom with a gold sunburst on a dark blue disc at top charged with a scarlet escutcheon above a representation in blue on gold of the continent of South America and Central America above a demi-arc of nineteen gridlines on light blue and the designation "US SOUTHERN COMMAND" in dark blue letters below.
The sunburst denotes enlightened promotion of democratic institutions, cooperative efforts to oppose and overcome transnational threats to the region's stability and responsibility to protect its environment. The eleven points of the burst and nineteen radiating gridlines below represent the thirty countries, which comprise the area of responsibility, in the region of South and Central America and the Caribbean. The shield signifies protection of the United States civilians, interests and forces committed to the area, the prevention of terrorist activity and assistance in reducing illicit source zone activities. Blue represents worldwide capability, light blue indicates coastal security of the nations within the region. Scarlet denotes sacrifice and courage, gold symbolizes excellence.
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 1 August 2003.