A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a brown and black hawk, wings elevated in flight with talons extended to strike; rising from and in front of a green horizontal configuration in base two diagonally crossed stalks of wheat all in front of a gold sunburst radiating from a light blue demi-globe with gridlines; all enclosed on either side and top by a tripartite scroll passing behind the hawk's wing tips, doubled and inscribed "CONTENDERE" on the left, "AD" at top and "VINCENDUM" on the right in gold letters. The insignia is to be worn in pairs.
Ultramarine blue and golden orange/gold are the colors associated with Aviation; gold also is emblematic of honor and excellence. The hawk in flight preparing to strike symbolizes the combat airpower and strike capability of Aviation units. The earth represents the unit's global commitment. The sun rays, wheat and green fields are features of the unit's home location in the heartland of America. The hawk is prevalent and indigenous to the area in which the unit operates.
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 26 December 1989.