A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in height overall consisting of a circular black belt buckled gold in base and inscribed around top with the words TEST FOR THE BEST in gold, enclosing a disc divided from upper left in quarters of scarlet and blue, and in lower right scarlet quarter a gold eight-pointed star radiating nine five-pointed stars with gold trails following towards the left with one in the upper left quarter, and issuant downward overall from upper center a white wedge-shape with diamond point to center.
The colors, scarlet and blue, and the white wedge shape at center refer to the units Major Command. The gold eight-point star at lower right represents the units headquarters and the nine stars radiant fanwise therefrom are symbolic of the satellite units or subordinate commands which are widely located from Alaska to the Panama Canal Zone. The four sections of the field denote the variety of climatic conditions of the area. The belt circling the whole suggests central control and the circle denotes the unity and continuity of the organizational mission.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the United States army Test and Evaluation Command on 24 July 1984. It was redesignated for the United States Army Developmental Test Command effective 1 October 1999.