US Army Element, Special Operations Command South

US ARMY ELEMENT, SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND SOUTH

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: On an ultramarine blue oval fimbriated white with a 1/8 inch (.32cm) olive drab border 3 inches (7.62cm) in height and 2 1/2 inches (6.35cm) in width overall, a white parachute above a white vol, overall a yellow trident superimposed by a silver gray dagger point up in base, all superimposed by three red lightning flashes bendwise.

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height overall consisting of a pair of silver wings displayed, the tips supporting an arced scarlet scroll inscribed "GUARDIANES DEL SUR" in silver letters enclosing two black dagger tips up saltirewise and below a blue field charged with the heads of the a silver trident above two scarlet lightning flashes conjoined at the tips in base.

Origin/meaning

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: The parachute represents the Airborne status of the unit and is a primary means of delivery of forces. The three lightning bolts represent the sea, air, and land mediums used for rapid deployment of forces. The dagger, a replica of the stiletto issued to the 1st Special Service Force, ties the organization to its U.S. Army Special Operations forefathers. The wings represent the rotary wing aviation component of the Army. The trident is representative of the U.S. Army Special Forces surface, sub-surface, and small boat operations.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: The enclosed area between the wings and scroll suggests the form of a parachute, representing delivery airborne forces. The lightning flashes denote rapid deployment and response. The wings symbolize the unit’s airborne status. The daggers refer to the organization’s heritage and historical ties to the 1st Special Service Force and the United States Army Special Operations; the tips are raised to indicate readiness. Scarlet signifies courage and sacrifice, black denotes strength.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was approved on 31 May 1995. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 18 July 2001.

Literature: Images and Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army Categroy:Granted 2001