A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height overall consisting of two blue concentric wavy bands surmounted overall by a maroon Greek cross bearing at its center a blue between four silver ermine spots, the disc charged with a silver griffin's head and all encircled by a continuous red scroll with four folds, the upper three, from left to right, inscribed "CARE", "COURAGE", "CONCERN" in silver letters.
Maroon and white (silver) are the colors used for the Army Medical Department. The cross, a traditional symbol for aid and assistance refers to the basic mission of the Hospital. The blue disc, allusive to Lake Itasca, the source of the Mississippi and the wavy blue bands at right angles to each other represent the convergence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers and are indicative of the geographical area of Fort Snelling, alluded to by the griffin's head taken from the coat of arms of Colonel Josiah Snelling for whom the fort was named and where the Hospital is located. The griffin also refers to vigilance, wisdom and perseverance and indicates the medical profession's dedication to the humanitarian and healing arts. The ermine symbolizes authority and cleanliness and also alludes to the early history of the area as a fur trading post.
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 21 September 1971.