Description
A shield-shaped embroidered device 3 3/4 inches (9.53 cm) in height and 2 inches (5.08 cm) in width within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) Yellow border blazoned: Per quarter Azure and Celeste, with a fillet cross couped to base surmounted by an annulet charged with a polestar Argent. The polestar is faceted with the opposing facets in fess of the first and the opposing facets in pale of the second. Attached to the top are two Oriental Blue scrolls bordered Yellow, the top is inscribed “NTM-A” and the scroll below is inscribed “NATO-OTAN” in Black letters.

Symbolism
The blue and white are NATO colors and the polestar is the NATO emblem. NATO is North Atlantic Treaty Organization and OTAN is Organisation du traité de l’Atlantique Nord which is NATO in French. The addition of the darker blue quartering signifies the Afghanistan national treasure of Lapis Lazuli gems. The yellow border along with the polestar and the annulet signifies the excellence in the Coalition and Joint Forces.

Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 3 November 2010. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-1040)