A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height consisting of a demi-sun emitting nine rays upward, all yellow and behind three maroon mountain peaks within a semi-circular blue band inscribed SUSTENTAMUS PER PERITIAM in silver letters; all issuing from the diameter of a maroon hemisphere bearing between six white squares three and three, each with one point up a silver Staff of Aesculapius, the upper part extending onto the center mountain peak and the lower part extending slightly beyond the base of the hemisphere.
The Staff of Aesculapius stands for the Medical Department Activity; the radiant sun, a symbol of energy, light and knowledge refers to the vital information gained by its research. The sun with rays also simulates an explosion and alludes to the testing of weapons. The small white squares represent the cube-like crystals of slat, essential to health. Salt, which makes up 0.9% of the blood and body cells, also refers to chemistry and biology. In addition, the salt crystals allude to the Activitys location at Dugway Proving Ground on the edge of the Great Salt Lake Desert and the use of six further indicate the Activity is in the geographical area of the Sixth United States Army. The blue arched band simulates the wide sky view of the area. The Indian sign for mountains, symbol of support, represents the nearby Dugway Mountains, so named by early pioneers because of the trenches they had to dig to get their wagons over the steep slopes; it sands for the Activitys medial support mission.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the U.S. Army Hospital, Dugway Proving Ground on 16 April 1970. It was redesignated for the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity, Dugway Proving Ground on 30 August 1973.