A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Barry, dovetailed of six Gules and Argent, two foxes heads palewise caboshed Proper. Attached below and to the sides of the shield a Silver scroll inscribed INGENIUM SUPERAT VIRES in Red letters.
Scarlet and white (silver) are the colors used for the Corps of Engineers, the silver in this instance also referring to the United States Air Force. The dovetail divisions of scarlet and silver represent the two service coordination required to construct forward operating airbases. The foxes heads are symbols of the two construction task forces that comprise the Battalion and further allude to the qualities of sagacity, cunning and wisdom which are required for the fulfillment of the airfield construction mission of this airborne combat Engineer Battalion. The motto which translates to Genius Surpasses Strength is expressive of the fact that the weight, size and power of the airborne engineer equipment is limited and that the genius of the airborne engineer soldier must excel.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 602d Engineer Camouflage Battalion on 17 March 1943. It was redesignated for the 47th Army Engineer Camouflage Battalion on 7 March 1951. The insignia was redesignated for the 47th Engineer Battalion and amended to change the symbolism on 22 September 1967.