A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height consisting of a stylized green evergreen tree bordered by two white lightning flashes all terminating at a central apex and issuant from the center of a semicircular orange scroll in base, the scroll bearing the inscription "EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED" in gold letters and the ends turned up at either side forming three curves around the trailing points of the flashes.
White and orange are the Signal Corps colors and the lightning flashes suggest the communications function of the 1st Signal Group. The single evergreen tree at center refers to the numerical designation of the Group, and further alludes to the natural beauty of Fort Lewis and to the Western Hemlock, official tree of the State of Washington.
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 14 April 1970.