A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in width overall consisting of a maroon Greek cross with a white border in front of a palmetto tree with green fronds and gold trunk, and in front of a maroon scroll across the tree trunk in base a gold flaming torch inclined to the left with base end saltirewise over a gold hickory branch inclined to the right, the top of each terminating at the sides below the horizontal arms of the cross and upon a blue background enclosed by the maroon scroll, which terminates on each side of the cross below the fronds of the tree, inscribed "ACCENTUATE" on the left and "THE POSITIVE" on the right in gold letters.
Maroon and white are the colors used for the Army Medical Department. The Greek cross, a symbol signifying aid and assistance, is also the mathematical plus sign which denotes the positive; with the border around the cross it alludes to the motto "Accentuate the Positive." The Activity's location at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, is indicated by the palmetto tree for the "Palmetto State" and the hickory branch for Andrew Jackson, nicknamed "Old Hickory," for whom the Fort was named. The flaming torch, indicative of learning, represents the basic training activities identified with the installation.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the U.S. Army Hospital, Fort Jackson on 27 July 1970. It was redesignated for the Moncrief Army Hospital on 28 June 1972. It was redesignated for U.S. Army Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC), Fort Jackson on 30 August 1973. The insignia was amended to correct the description on 5 August 2016.