Heraldry Multi

A shield-shaped embroidered item, edged with 1/8 inch (.32 cm) Black border, blazoned as follows: "Or, a lozenge Vert, bearing wings conjoined at base, superimposed by a sword in pale, point downwards, all of the first, in chief six arched mullets, three and three, of the second. Attached above the shield, a Yellow scroll inscribed "ARET'E" in Black letters. The overall dimensions are 3 1/2 inches (8.89 cm) in height and 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width.

The University's colors are green and white. The lozenge signifies UNC at Charlotte as the fourth largest of the seventeen institutions within the University of North Carolina system. The wings represent the strength and swiftness of the cadets in their engagement to action. The sword, with blade downwards symbolizes the cadets' defense to preserve peace. The first star denotes the host school UNC at Charlotte; the subsequent five stars denote each of the partner schools (Davidson College and Gardner Webb) and the affiliate schools (Winthrop, Belmont Abbey and Johnson C. Smith University). The University's Greek motto, "ARET'E", English translation, "Excellence in Battle". The motto is of Greek origin, which means "Excellence of Any Kind" but the University selected to use a more specific term to apply to the cadets.

The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally authorized 9 January 1985. It is hereby cancelled due to a new design on 2 May 2017. (TIOH Drawing Number A-10S-283)

A gold color metal and epoxied device 1 1/4 inches (32.18 cm) in width overall consisting of three hemispheres divided evenly down the center with green and black, overlaid with a gold diamond shape bearing gold crossed pickaxes. In center of the diamond shape a green logo of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Attached at base, a black scroll inscribed "STRIKING KNOWLEDGE" in gold letters.

Green and black are the university colors. The pickaxe represents the 49ers, which was a term given to those in relentless search to strike gold in the Charlotte area in the 1940's. The logo symbolizes knowledge.

The shoulder loop insignia was originally authorized 1 August 2001, it is currently being amended to update the manufacturing drawings on 2 May 2017.