On a white disc with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) blue border 3 inches (7.62 cm) in diameter overall an inner white disc with a red border bearing a blue and white adaptation of the coat of arms of the United States between the inscription "UNITED STATES ARMY" in red letters at top and "RETIRED" in blue letters at bottom.
The coat of arms, with red, white and blue, symbolize the nation. The circle represents accomplishment and the completed career of military service in the United States Army.
The recommendation for a shoulder sleeve insignia for retirees was approved by the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel on 15 August 1985. The design for the insignia was approved on 23 February 1987. Retirees are authorized to wear the insignia on the left shoulder. (TIOH Drawing Number A-1-734)