US Army Element of the Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan

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US ARMY ELEMENT OF THE COMBINED SECURITY TRANSITION COMMAND AFGHANISTAN

Arms of US Army Element of the Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)
Arms of US Army Element of the Combined Security Transition Command Afghanistan

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)


Official blazon

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: On an ultramarine blue shield-shaped device 3 1/2 inches (8.89 cm) in height by 3 inches (7.62 cm) in width overall edged with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) yellow border with the imprint of a leopard’s paw, claws extended, between two stylized scimitars hilts to base pilewise all yellow.

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of an ultramarine blue shield charged with the head of a snow leopard full-face in white, detailed gold, surmounting the top of a gold weighing scale in base, the shield mounted upon a stylized gold scroll, the rolls at top and bottom forming two motto scrolls in black inscribed at top “STRENGTH” and in base “THROUGH PARTNERSHIP” in gold letters.

Origin/meaning

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: The Afghanistan snow leopard, “the predator best left alone,” is symbolized by the paw print and claws. The two scimitars highlight the cooperation and partnership of Afghanistan and United States authorities in bringing peace and stability to the region. Yellow (gold) denotes excellence.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: Gold represents the U.S. Army Element and mission goals of excellence in the Command. Ultramarine blue recalls the important significance of that color in the aspirations of Afghanistan citizens, the Lapis Lazuli gems and blue skies of the region and the desire for access to a coastline. The snow leopard, native to Afghanistan and known there as “the predator best left alone” represents the dangerous consequences of initiating an aggression towards an antagonist which did not seek conflict. The weighing scales symbolize Afghanistan’s pursuit of justice and rule of law reform. White denotes integrity and high ideals. Black signifies the national resolve for peace and justice.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia and Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 20 March 2007.


Literature: Image from Wikimedia Commons 

and The Institute of Heraldry, US Army. Inforamtion from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.
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