US Army Special Operations Command

US ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: On a red stylized spearhead with a 1/8 inch red border, 3 1/2 inches in height and 2 inches in width overall, a black Fairbairn-Sykes dagger. A black tab with "AIRBORNE" in red letters is attached above the insignia.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches in height overall, consisting of a stylized red spearhead bearing a black Fairbairn-Sykes dagger and superimposed on a pair of gold conjoined wings with tips elevated; all enclosed at base and either side by a black scroll doubled and inscribed "SINE PARI" in gold.

Origin/meaning

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: The stylized spearhead alludes to the shoulder sleeve insignia worn by the lst Special Service Forces and signifies the heritage and traditions that the US Army Special Operations Command will perpetuate. The unsheathed black dagger symbolizes total military preparedness and has long been associated with Army special operation forces. The airborne tab designates the command's airborne status.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: The stylized spearhead alludes to the shoulder sleeve insignia worn by the lst Special Service Force and recalls the heritage and traditions that the US Army Special Operations Command will perpetuate. The unsheathed dagger symbolizes total military preparedness and has long been associated with Army special operation forces. The gold wings surrounding the spearhead and symbolizing the Command's airborne and aviation missions, are raised to denote combat readiness. Gold is representative of merit and honor. The Command's motto "SINE PARI" translates "WITHOUT EQUAL."

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia and Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved effective 1 December 1989.

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