US Army Element, Special Operations Command Central

US ARMY ELEMENT, SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND CENTRAL

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: On a blue shield with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) white border, a red trident-head issuing from base emitting two yellow lightning flashes and surmounted in base by a white vol; overall a black dagger. Attached above the shield a blue arced tab with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) white border inscribed “AIRBORNE” in white letters. The overall dimensions are 3 1/4 inches (8.26 cm) in height by 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width.

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A gold color metal and enamel device, 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in height overall, issuant between and above the wings of a blue vol the head of a red trident, emitting two yellow lightning flashes pilewise, overall a black dagger erect. Attached above is a blue scroll inscribed “MOLON LABE” in gold letters.

Origin/meaning

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: The wings represent airborne and air operations; the trident is for underwater and sea operations. The lightning flashes represent speed and communications, while the dagger alludes to Special Forces functions. The shield symbolizes a strong defense and denotes the command structure of the organization.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: The wings represent airborne and air operations; the trident is for underwater and sea operations. The lightning flashes represent speed and communications, while the dagger alludes to Special Forces functions. The shield symbolizes a strong defense and denotes the command structure of the organization. The motto, “MOLON LABE” is a Greek phrase which means “Come And Get Them.” The phrase is derived from the famous battle of Thermopylae between the Spartans and the Persians.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia was approved on 27 October 1995. The Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 3 May 2005.