A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height consisting of a blue disc within a scarlet encircling scroll, the base of the scroll surmounted by a wavy band divided horizontally white and blue; issuing from the band and extending over the disc a white trident, and inscribed on the upper part of the scroll the motto "PREPAREDNESS BY EXAMPLE" in gold letters.
The white trident is taken from the shoulder sleeve insignia. The two sections of the wavy band refer to overseas service in two theaters, the European and the Pacific, in the former of which the Division saw combat action and in the latter, occupation duty. The three prongs of the trident commemorate the triple thrust of the organization's three combat teams during World War II battle of the Ruhr pocket which was terminated by the fall of Dusseldorf. The colors blue, scarlet and gold refer to the Army Reserve Command's primary components of Infantry, Artillery and Armor.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 97th US Army Reserve Command on 29 July 1970. It was redesignated effective 6 December 2010, for the 97th Training Brigade and amended to update the description and symbolism.