A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 5/32 inches (2.94 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Gules, overall and on a saltire Azure fimbriated Argent, a maple leaf of the last charged with a Rhode Island Red rooster Proper; in dexter on a chief embattled of the third a pine tree Vert. Attached below the shield a Silver scroll inscribed "GAME TO THE LAST" in Black.
Scarlet is the branch color used for Artillery units. The early service of the former organization, then the 243d Coast Artillery, is represented as the pine tree which symbolizes service as New England troops during the Revolutionary War; the maple leaf represents service during the War of 1812; the blue saltire is for Civil War service (blue for the Regiment's service as Infantry); the embattled chief represents the organization's service as Coast Defenses during World War I; and the Rhode Island red rooster indicates the allocation of the Regiment to the state of Rhode Island.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 243d Coast Artillery Regiment on 17 May 1927. It was redesignated for the 243d Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion on 3 December 1952. It was redesignated for the 243d Artillery Regiment on 20 June 1961. The insignia was redesignated for the 243d Regiment with the description and symbolism revised on 20 March 1997.