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Special Forces Insignia
The Special Forces Crest
| Emblazoned on the
distinctive black and silver crest worn by Special
Forces soldiers is the Special Forces motto: De Oppresso
Liber, a Latin phrase that means To Liberate the
Oppressed.
Two crossed arrows
symbolize the Special Forces' role in unconventional
warfare and the expert field craft of the Native American
brave. |
De Oppresso Liber
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| A commando's fighting knife is attached over the
arrows, which reflect the qualities of a Special Forces
soldier - straight and true, and pays homage to their
W.W.II Commando lineage. |
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Special Forces Shoulder Sleeve
Insignia (SSI) or Shoulder Patch with Special Forces Qualification Tab
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The gold and teal Special
Forces patch is worn by members of Special Forces units
around the world. The arrowhead shape represents the
craft and stealth of the Native American brave,
America's first warriors. An upturned dagger represents
the unconventional warfare missions of Special Forces.
Three lightning bolts
represent blinding speed and strength, and the three
methods of infiltration - land, sea and air. The gold
represents constancy and inspiration, and the background
of teal blue represents the Special Forces' encompassing
of all military specialties and branch assignments. |
The Special Forces Branch
Insignia
| The Special Forces officer
branch inherited its insignia - two crossed arrows -
from the Indian scouts, several of whom earned Medals of
Honor while serving U.S. forces in almost every major
campaign. Crossed arrows were a symbol of peace to the
U.S. Scouts, which were deactivated in 1939. |
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However, the crossed arrows
served the 1st Special Service Force
through World War II, and some Special Forces officers at Fort
Bragg began wearing them unofficially on their collars in the
Sixties. In April 1987 a separate branch of the Army was created
for Special Forces and the crossed arrows were formally adopted
as their official branch insignia.
See also:
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DISCLAIMER
- PLEASE READ |
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| This page is an
unofficial document and does not represent information
endorsed by the United States Government, the United
States Special Operations Command or the United States
Army Special Operations Command. However, most
information is derived from those sources and has been
checked for accuracy. For comments, questions, and
suggestions, please go to the Communications
Center. |
Gunnery Network - SOF
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