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1st SOCOM
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Worn
from:
26 April 1983 - 19 December 1990.
The horse's head is a reference to the knight in
chess, the only piece capable of moving indirectly and of striking
from and within enemy territory. Green and silver are colors
associated with special operations units. The lightning flash
is symbolic of speed and striking power.
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USA SOCOM
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Worn from:
1 December 1989 - Current.
The stylized spearhead alludes to the shoulder-sleeve insignia
worn by the First Special Service Forces and signifies the heritage
and traditions that the United States Army Special Operations
Command will perpetuate. The unsheathed black dagger
symbolizes total military preparedness and has long been associated
with army special operations forces.
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USA SOCOM Europe
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Worn from:
8 November 1993 - Current.
The insignia was approved on 8 December 1993. The shield
represents strength and defense; its three sides emphasize the
command's many capabilities -- on land, in the water, or in the air.
The indented border implies the hazardous conditions under which the
Special Operations Command, Europe operates. Red symbolizes
action, sacrifice, and courage; white denotes integrity. The
black dagger, raised to represent military preparedness, is adapted
from the special forces insignia and reflects the command's heritage
and association. Black and white allude to twenty-four hour
vigilance in total combat readiness.
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USA CA & Psych Ops Cmd
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Worn
from:
16 January 1990 - 19 December 1990.
Re-designated: Civil Affairs and Psychological
Operations Command -- United States Army.
Worn from: 19 December 1990 - Current.
The sword represents the military nature and strength of the
command. The flashes suggest speed and electronic communica -
tions. The colors of the insignia reflect the units within the
command. Purple is associated traditionally with civil affairs
and dark green with psychological operations and special forces.
The color gold (yellow) denotes excellence.
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SOC SOUTH
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Worn
from:
31 May 1995 - Current.
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 First Special Service Force, ties the
organization to its United States Army Special Operations
forefathers. The wings represent the rotary wing aviation
component of the army. The trident is representative of the
United States Army Special Forces surface, subsurface, and small
boat operations.
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SOCOM 1st Design
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Worn
from:
15 September 1983 - April 1989. |
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SOCOM 2nd Design
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Worn
from:
April 1989 - August 1991. |
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SOCOM 3rd Design
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Worn
from:
August 1991 - Current.
The shoulder-sleeve insignia is adapted from the
official seal of the United States Special Operations Command.
The color black alludes to special operations activities performed
under the cover of darkness. The color yellow represents the
quality of excellence as performed by the command in the nation's
defense. The spearhead suggests the fighting capabilities of
the command. The bands on the spearhead refer to the forces
assigned from the army, navy, and air force. The braided
border encircling the shield represents strength through unity.
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SOCOM Ccommander Aircraft
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Worn
from:
June 1992 - July 1995.
Approved for local wear only.
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Joint SOCOM
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Worn
from:
July 1994 - July 1995.
The origin of the design is unknown.
Hello, if you have the time
would you rate and comment on this site.

Thank you, Bob
100% Disabled Vietnam Vet
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