A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a maroon cross bearing a silver triangle superimposed by a green serpent entwined on a maroon staff, all within an arced maroon scroll inscribed "THE" above and a like scroll inscribed "PATIENT FIRST" below all in silver letters; issuing from either side of the upper scroll and arcing to base, a spray of green palmetto leaves.

The colors maroon and white (silver) are those associated with the Army Medical Corps.  Green denotes hope and perseverance and is emblematic of medicine because its color is that of herbs.  Maroon is used by the Medical Corps in the form of a Greek cross to denote medicine, immortality and life.  The staff and serpent are adapted from the staff of Aesculapius, the mythological god of medicine representing life giving powers.  The green palmetto leaves represent the South Carolina State tree.  The triangle alludes to Fort Jackson's location and symbolizes unity and support.

The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 10 October 1986.