A shield-shaped embroidered item, edged with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) Black border, blazoned as follows: Argent, issuant from base a silhouette of the Cincinnati skyline Sable, on a chief of the first, fretty interlaced with a barrulet of the second. Attached above the shield, a red scroll convexly arched edged with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) Black border inscribed BEARCATS in Black letters. The overall dimensions are 3 1/2 inches (8.89 cm) in height and 2 7/8 inches (7.30 cm) in width.

Red and black are the school colors. Red represents strength and courage, two traits the cadets possess; together they can do great things. Black conveys determination of the cadets to accomplish any task set before them. White denotes the students refinement of their attention to detail with their academic and athletic achievements. The background design of the chief alludes to the Linder Center, a landmark of the university which houses the ROTC labs. The Cincinnati skyline, with Great American Tower as a distinguishing element, reflects the unity and shared heritage of the city and the university.

The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally authorized 30 December 1974, it is hereby cancelled due to a new design, description and symbolism on 16 August 2016. (TIOH Drawing Number A-10S-267)

A gold color vertical elliptical metal and epoxied device, the upper lower portion coming to a point 1 5/16 inches (3.33 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned:  Gules, in chief a scale below the arched inscription JUNCTA JUVANT and in base issuant from sinister base a sword bendwise surmounted by a winged caduceus bend sinisterwise all Or.  Crest:  From a wreath Or, an acorn fructed of the first. Motto:  A bi partite scroll Or, the inscription ALTA PETIT  Sable; All within a black scroll inscribed from lower left to lower right THE UNIVERSITY- OF CINCINNATI and below the inscription 1819 all Gold.

The shoulder loop insignia was originally authorized 14 March 1975, currently amended to update the manufacturing drawings on 16 August 2016.