A Gold color metal and epoxied device, device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned:  Argent, on a cross Gules, a sword palewise, point upwards, blade Argent (Silver) and hilted Or, surmounted on the blade by an antique lamb enflamed of the third; on a canton Sable, a chevron rompu of the fourth.  Attached below a gold tripartite scroll inscribed in Latin CONSILIO ET ANIMIS which translates to English By Wisdom and Courage. 

Since its earliest days, VMI has been identified with its state by the emblematic use of the seal of Virginia.  The Red Cross on white (silver) field is taken from the arms of Colonial Virginia, the only coat of arms which Virginia has had and used for over 200 years.  The upright sword symbolizes the military training mission of VMI, the lamp represents the academic and principal mission of the institute.  The broken chevron red, white and yellow are the colors traditionally associated with VMI. The design, based upon that of the Virginia Seal, which is used by the University.

The shoulder loop insignia was authorized 21 December 1961, currently amended to update the manufacturing drawings on 25 March 2016.

On a shield-shaped embroidered item edged with a 1/8 inch (0.32cm) Yellow border, blazoned as follows: Argent, on a cross Gules a sword in pale, point upwards, blade Argent (Silver Gray), pommel and hilt Or, surmounted by an antique lamp enflamed of the last; a canton Sable, bearing a chevron rompu Or. Overall dimensions are 3-1/2 inches (8.89cm) in height by 2-5/8 inches (6.67cm) in width.

The basic elements of the insignia are portrayed heraldically in the traditional colors of The Virginia Military Institute: red, white, and yellow. The red cross on a white field is taken from the coat of arms of Colonial Virginia.  The upright sword symbolizes the military training mission of VMI. The lamp of knowledge in its predominant position represents the academic and leader development mission. The black canton with its broken gold chevron is an augmentation of honor, commemorating former cadets who died in wars and military conflicts from 1839 to the present day.

The shoulder sleeve insignia originally authorized 2 December 1997 has been modified on 19 August 2022 for a new design.