A gold color metal and enamel device, 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in diameter overall consisting of a brick red disc displaying stylized circuits as on a circuit board in gold metal with, overall, three uniformed service members; to dexter a pilot, behind and above a tank crewman and in front, out-facing and holding a rifle, a ground soldier, all in black, detailed gold, the whole within a gold encircling designation scroll inscribed at top "RESEARCH o DEVELOPMENT o ENGINEERING COMMAND" with "CUM SCIENTIA COMMUTARE" in base all in black letters between four white stars to each side of the motto.
Black denotes research and the cooperation demanded in development of engineering disciplines for use by United States service personnel. Dark red indicates courage and sacrifice, gold signifies excellence. The modern technology which is part of the research, development and engineering process is represented by the stylized circuitry behind the figures, which symbolize significant mission requirements and represent a pilot, a tank crewman and a ground soldier. The motto translates to "Through Science We Change."
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 13 August 2004. Cancelled effective 1 October 2019 with the redesignation to Combat Capabilities and Development Command.