Special Operations Command, Joint Forces Command, US Army Element

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND, JOINT FORCES COMMAND, US ARMY ELEMENT

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: A shield 2 3/4 inches (6.99 cm) in width and 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height overall, embowed and inverted, point being upwards, divided per pale ultramarine blue to dexter side, green to sinister, with a black pile issuing from the point throughout, charged with a yellow trident issuing from base surmounted by a yellow lightning bolt and dagger saltirewise, all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) black border. Attached above the insignia is a black arced tab inscribed "AIRBORNE" in yellow letters.

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height, consisting of a shield blazoned: Per pale Azure and Vert, a pile Sable charged with a trident throughout Or surmounted at fess point with a dagger and lightning flash saltirewise of the last.

Origin/meaning

Shoulder sleeve Insignia: Ultramarine blue signifies the air and sea mission, while green denotes ground missions. The black V-shape area refers to victory and power. The three symbols, trident, lightning bolt and dagger are adapted from the Special Operations Command, Atlantic Command, the unit's predecessor. The trident, a symbol of naval prowess, symbolizes the Navy SEAL Teams and special boat units. The lightning bolt denotes the Air Force Special Operations, rapid response and aerospace power. The dagger associated with the Army forces (Special Forces, Rangers, PSYOP and Civil Affairs), also represents total military preparedness and readiness for deployment. Each symbol represents the three parts that form the whole of the Special Operation Command Joint Forces Command.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: Ultramarine blue signifies the air and sea mission, green denotes ground missions, while black denotes the Special Operations operating environment combining the power of Air, Sea and Land. The gold v-shaped figure represents victory and power. The three symbols, trident, lightning bolt and dagger are adapted from the Special Operations Command, Atlantic Command, the predecessor of Special Operations Command Joint Forces Command. The trident, a symbol of naval prowess, symbolizes the Navy Seal teams and special boat units. The lightning bolt denotes the Air Force Special Operations, rapid response and aerospace power. The dagger associated with the Army forces (Special Forces, Rangers, PSYOP and Civil Affairs), also represents total military preparedness and readiness for deployment. Each symbol represents the three parts that together with the superb non-SOF personnel, form the whole of the Command.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was approved on 5 February 2003. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 10 December 2003.

Literature: Images and Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army

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