A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of two gold griffins' heads back to back, having between them on a black background a vertical gold torch with red flame above their heads emitting ten gold rays, all supported in base by two green branches of hickory bound together at center around the end of the torch and at each side with blue bands, the leaves turned up at either side and ending below the griffins' beaks next to the forked ends of a blue scroll passing behind the griffins' heads, enclosing the rays and inscribed "DUTY BOUND" in gold letters.
The blending of ten branches of service within the organization is indicated by the gold rays around the flame of the torch while the Military Police and Infantry branches, which make up the majority of the unit's personnel, are represented by the colors green, gold and blue. The three parts of the organization's mission are indicated in the following way: the flaming torch on the dark background is symbolic of enlightenment and refers to intensive training; close custodial supervision is suggested by the two griffins, which are symbols of alertness and vigilance; the hickory branch is symbolic of authority and refers to the remedial treatment that is needed in order "to return military prisoners to duty as well-trained soldiers with improved attitudes and motivations."
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the United States Correctional Training Facility on 19 March 1971. It was redesignated for the United States Army Retraining Brigade on 25 April 1973. The insignia was redesignated for the United States Army Correctional Activity with the description and symbolism revised effective 1 December 1982.