A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3. 18 cm) in height consisting of shield blazoned: "Per bend sinister Pean and Gule, as a bend sinister a sword point to sinister chief Or, surmounted by an eagle's head reversed and enhanced Proper, in sinister base a thistle also Or." Attached below the shield, a Black scroll conforming to the shape of the shield, inscribed "NEW RIVER BATTALION" in Gold base-metal letters.
A sword is symbolic of command and being unsheathed signifies duty, vigilance and readiness. The ermine alludes to the regulations and rules governing the Corps of Cadets of Virginia Polytechnic University. The thistle, a native plant and recognized emblem of Scotland, incorporates the Highlander theme of Radford University. The eagle is the national bird.
The shoulder loop insignia was authorized 9 March 2004.