Special Operations Command Pacific, US Army

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND PACIFIC, US ARMY

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: On a light blue shield a yellow sunburst charged with a black dagger and attached above the shield a black tab inscribed "AIRBORNE" in yellow, all within a 1/8 inch (.32cm) black border 3 1/4 inches (8.26cm) in height and 2 1/2 inches (6.35cm) in width overall.

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height consisting of a gold sunburst below two arced green palm branches on a light blue disc and superimposed by two diagonally crossed black daggers overall at bottom, an arced red scroll inscribed "GUARDIANS OF THE PACIFIC" in gold.

Origin/meaning

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: The light blue shield and yellow sunburst denote the unit's area of operations; the black dagger symbolizes the mission and heritage of Special Operations. The airborne tab reflects the status of the unit.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: The light blue disc, sunburst and palm branches suggest the Pacific Ocean and the unit's area of operations. The daggers refer to overt and covert capabilities and total readiness. They are crossed to symbolize strength and teamwork. Red is the color of action and sacrifice and denotes zeal and courage.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was approved on 13 May 1997. The Distinctive Unit insignia was approved on 12 June 1997.

Literature: Images from Wikimedia Commons. Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.