A shield shaped insignia with arced scroll attached above the shield, the overall dimensions 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 inches (5.08 cm) in width consisting of a black background edged with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) yellow border, on the shield a yellow sword in the vertical center surmounted by a yellow open book detailed black and bearing a black winged foot. On the black arced scroll the letters "SDSU" in yellow, 5/16 inch (.79 cm) in height.
Black represents night, which is normally the time for students to study. Gold represents daylight and alertness. The sword is indicative of the military. The open book refers to academic activities. The winged foot alludes to physical activities such as athletics, physical fitness, etc., which contribute to the cadet's alertness, resulting in a cadet both physically and mentally fit.
The shoulder sleeve insignia was authorized 7 June 1976.