A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height overall, consisting of a blue disc bearing a white triangle issuing from top, one point to base with indented sides, the disc encircled by a gold band inscribed in base "TECHNOLOGY TO WIN" in black letters; overall at top a gold pyramid in perspective emitting from its point a white starburst of eight rays.
The white device, adapted from the shoulder sleeve insignia of the U.S. Army Materiel Command, indicates that the organization is subordinate to the U.S. Army Materiel Command. The pyramid represents basic science and mathematics and refers to the technology involved in mission accomplishment. The blocks of the pyramid denote the major elements of the command their functions as part of and supporting the whole. Gold connotes value and excellence and the band circling the whole suggests central control as well as unity and strength of purpose.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the U.S. Army Laboratory Command on 31 Jul 1987. It was redesignated for the U.S. Army Research Laboratory with description and symbolism revised on 2 Apr 1993.