Description

On a maroon oval 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm) in width and 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height overall, a sword with hilt at the top and hand guard in the form of a pair of stylized wings, and below two serpents with heads facing center and bodies entwined about the blade all in white and all within an 1/8 inch (.32 cm) white border.


Symbolism

Maroon and white are the colors used for the Army Medical Department. The wings and serpents allude to the caduceus symbol representing all medical services and the sword in place of the staff relates to the United States Army. The sword with point to base is symbolic of sacrifice and mercy and alludes to the noncombatant role of the medical services.


Background

The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the US Army Health Services Command on 31 January 1973. It was amended to revise the description and symbolism on 12 May 1975. The insignia was redesignated for US Army Medical Command effective 2 October 1994, with the description revised. (TIOH Drawing Number A-1-556)