A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per chevron enhanced, in chief per pale the dexter Argent a Torii Gules and in sinister Celeste a sun in splendor; in base Purpure a globe of the third fimbriated and gridlined, superimposed around its base by a vol, overall a sword point down all of the first. Attached below and to the sides of the shield is a Purple tripartite scroll doubled and inscribed with "FREEDOM THROUGH EFFECTS" in Silver letters.
Purple and white are the colors traditionally used by Civil Affairs. The Torii gateway represents the Asian history of the unit. The sun against the bright blue sky expresses optimism, energy, and the rebirth of a nation. The globe stands for the Civil Affairs' worldwide mission and the wings highlight the 97th being airborne. The sword point down signifies the primary mission of the unit to defend the peace during support and stabilization phases prior to, during, and after combat phases of military operations.
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 2 October 2006.