A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of three gold rays issuing from base surmounted by a blue horizontal nebuly band behind a red chevron, overall in saltire two gold arrows, points up, all within a gold scroll, the upper part inscribed "ALERT" and the lower part "AND ADROIT" in red letters.
Scarlet and yellow are the colors used for Artillery. The blue nebuly represents the sky and the rays symbolize the visual and calculating devices used to pinpoint the enemy. The arrows allude to their missile capability and the chevron simulates a gunner's level, an early Artillery tool used principally for sighting.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 49th Artillery Group on 13 November 1969. It was redesignated for the 49th Air Defense Artillery Group on 5 April 1972.