File:US-ARMY-ROTC.svg

English: A shield arced at top and bottom 3 1/2 inches (8.89cm) in height and 2 1/2 inches (6.35cm) in width, consisting of a field divided quarterly yellow and black and thereon at upper right, a yellow Lamp of Knowledge enflamed; at lower left, a yellow Trojan helmet; and diagonally across the yellow quarters, a black sword point up, all between two yellow panels outlined black and inscribed in black letters 5/16 inch (.79cm) in height, "LEADERSHIP" at top and "EXCELLENCE" below, all within a 1/8 inch (.32cm) black border.

Symbolism:

• The shield symbolizes the Army mission of national defense and is divided into quarters representing the four traditional military science courses comprising Senior ROTC curriculum.
• The sword signifies courage, gallantry, and self-sacrifice intrinsic to the profession of arms.
• The lamp denotes the pursuit of knowledge, higher learning, and the partnership of Army ROTC with American colleges and universities.
• The Greek helmet is symbolic of the ancient civilization concept of the warrior scholar.
• The motto "LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE" expresses the ultimate responsibility to the nation.

Background:

• The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved 1986-04-28 for the U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Command and U.S. Army SROTC Cadets.
• On 1993-01-28 the insignia was amended to add metric measurements and subdued colors.