On an ultramarine blue embroidered item consisting of a disc 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height overall, edged with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) yellow border, a yellow sun above stylized water of ultramarine blue and yellow, within the sun is a silhouette of a Grizzly Bear riding a surfboard facing right, both ultramarine blue, arching below the inscription UCSB SURFRIDERS in yellow letters.

Gold and blue are the school colors.  The motto for the military department is SURFRIDERS.  The bear is a representative of numerous Grizzly Bear in the state of California.  The sun and stylized water are reminiscent of the beach.  The surfboard (surfing) is very popular in Santa Barbara.

The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally authorized 18 June 1965.  It was cancelled due to a new design on 18 July 2006, is currently being amended to update the manufacturing drawings and the ACU color conversion on 3 April 2017. (TIOH Drawing Number A-10S-180)

A Silver color metal and epoxied   device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height consisting of a diamond, point to base, quartered by a pair of black swords with yellow hilts in saltire overall: the base quarter blue with five silver wavy barrulets; the sinister quarter yellow bearing a black tower; the dexter quarter yellow bearing a black fleur-de-lis; the top quarter surmounted by a yellow demi-sun with yellow and silver rays issuing from between the apex of the crossed swords.  Attached below the device a blue scroll inscribed SURFRIDERS in silver letters arcing between the sword pommels and up the sides of the square.

Blue and yellow are the school colors.  Black and yellow are the colors associated with Cadet Command and the SROTC Program.  The swords symbolize military strength and training.  The tower alludes to Stroke tower, a campus landmark.  The waves of the sea represent the universitys proximity to the beaches.  The tree petals of the fleur-de-lis reflect faith, wisdom and valor.  The sun suggests the temperate climate of the campus and enlightenment through learning.

The shoulder loop Insignia was originally authorized 12 April 1990, is it currently being updated to include manufacturing drawings on 3 April 2017.