A square 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm) in width placed point up, having within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) white border a background divided in half vertically with white on the left and scarlet on the right bearing a castle tower throughout divided in half with scarlet on the left and white on the right and centered thereon a flaming torch divided in half with white on the left and scarlet on the right.
The tower and scarlet and white background refer to Engineer laboratories and other field operating activities. The flaming torch, symbolic of knowledge and enlightenment, signifies the research and development mission of these organizations. Scarlet and white are the colors traditionally associated with the Corps of Engineers.
The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 31 October 1977. It was rescinded on 11 July 1979. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-618)