A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a vertical maroon key with a bit simulating a cross patty in base, entwined by a green serpent, the head protruding through the key loop, all in front of a curved silver lined maroon scroll extending below the head and inscribed "SAFEGUARDING HEALTH" in silver letters in base, the scroll recurved at the sides, and all in front of a semicircular cluster of silver rays in base.

Maroon and white (silver) are colors for the Army Medical Department.  The organization's service in the Rome-Arno campaign, World War II is represented by the cross patty from the historic coat of arms of the city of Rome.  The entwined serpent alludes to the classic emblem for medicine, the Staff of Aesculapius.  The key, serving as a staff, alludes to the unit's motto "SAFEGUARDING HEALTH."  The rays, signifying radiant healing, together with the "key to health" further denote the unit's mission.

The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 2 April 1971.