Description
A blue shield with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) gold border, 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width and 3 inches (7.32 cm) in height overall bearing a green North American continent superimposed by the eagle, breast shield, laurel and arrows derived from the arms of the United States in proper colors and between the wing and arrows are three gold five pointed stars; all below five gold eight pointed stars.

Symbolism
The eagle, taken from the Great Seal, represents the United States. The landmass of North America highlights the scope of the Northern Command mission. The five stars refer to the armed forces, which coordinate all mission efforts to protect the country. The three stars on the continent represent the approximate locations of the terrorist attacks of September 11th in New York City, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon.

Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved effective 1 October 2002.