On a Silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per bend sinister Azure and Grebe, on a plate two rifles in saltire between the letters M and A fesswise environed by a belt buckled at base Argent and inscribed "COURAGE PURITY INDUSTRY" in base metal. On a canton Gules a Latin cross Silver. Attached to base a Blue scroll inscribed "GEARING RIFLES" in Silver letters.
The "Gearing Rifles" is a drill team named in honor of a graduate of the Academy who became a highly decorated WWII hero. The crossed rifles are a reference to the drill team and the red canton charged with a cross show a close affiliation with the United Church of Christ.
The shoulder loop insignia originally authorized 2 February 1965 was amended 4 December 2001 to update the description. It was amended 12 December 2001 to restrict wear to members of the Gearing Rifles Drill Team only.