A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of a vertical red rectangle with rounded upper right and lower left corners bearing a black base issuing a black panther head detailed silver below a silver band bendwise sinister inscribed "PANTHERS" in black letters between the inscription "WHERE" above and "DARE" below on the diagonal in silver letters.
Crimson and white (silver) are the school colors. The panther is the school mascot. The black base suggests the Appalachian Mountains and the coal mining region where the school is located. The panther is emergent from the mountain, reflecting local legends of a cat black from coal dust. The panther reflects the cadets' dedication to their school, community, and country.
The shoulder loop insignia was authorized 10 July 1995.