A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a buff disk bearing above a white wavy base a black round trivet with a central horizontal bar connecting the circular frame, and overall from the base of the disk an outward sloped scarlet flank on the left and right; all with an encircling gold border enclosed at sides and base by a threefold gold scroll inscribed SERVICE AND SUPPORT in red letters.
Buff and scarlet are colors traditionally associated with Support units. The trivet signifies the support mission of the organization and also refers to its motto. The border forms a cipher (O), which alludes to ciphers and codes used in cryptology and refers to the units capability for providing general supporting cryptologistic services. The predecessors location at Fort Douglas, Utah, which overlooks Salt Lake City, is symbolized by the circular frame and horizontal bar of the trivet top, the alchemists symbol for salt, the white wavy area for the waters of the Great Salt Lake, and the sloped sides for surrounding mountains.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 163d General Support Group on 6 April 1971. It was redesignated for the 163d Support Group with the description and symbolism revised on 21 February 1991.