<< Combat Index home Combat Index Military Insignia US Army Insignia US Army Branches US Army Special Forces Branch Branch Insignia Description: Two crossed arrows 3/4 inch in height and 1 3/8 inches in width all gold color. The Special Forces branch insignia was authorized in 1987 for wear by personnel in the Special Forces branch. It was previously authorized in 1984 for wear by enlisted personnel in Career Management Field 18 (Special Operations). Originally (from 1890 to 1926), crossed arrows were prescribed for wear by Indian Scouts. During World War II, the crossed arrows were worn as collar insignia by officers and enlisted personnel assigned to the First Special Service Force. Branch Plaque Description: The plaque design has the branch insignia, letters, and rim in gold. The background is Jungle Green. Branch Regimental Insignia Description: Personnel assigned to the Special Forces Branch are all affiliated to the 1st Special Forces since there is only one Special Forces regiment. The insignia is a silver color metal and enamel device consisting of a pair of silver arrows in saltire, points up and surmounted at their junction by a silver dagger with black handle point up; all over and between a black motto scroll arcing to base and inscribed "DE OPPRESSO LIBER" (Liberate From Oppression) in silver letters. Symbolism: The shield of the Coat of Arms was approved for the First Special Service Force of World War II on 26 February 1943. The knife is of a distinctive shape and pattern and was issued only to the First Special Service Force. The crest is the crossed arrows from the collar insignia worn by the First Special Service Force in World War II but changed from gold to silver for harmony with the shield and to make a difference from the collar insignia. The coat of arms and distinctive unit insignia was approved on 8 July 1960. Branch Regimental Coat of Arms Description: The regimental flags for the lst Special Forces has the shield of the coat of arms appearing on the breast of a displayed eagle. The background of the Special Forces regimental flag is Jungle Green. The Special Forces Groups have the same design and use this coat of arms on the Special Forces Group flags; however, the designation scroll contains the designation of the group instead of the designation "First Special Forces". Symbolism: The Coat of Arms has the Signal flag suspended from a baton, which was adopted from the badge that originated in 1865 and was called the "Order of the Signal Corps." The bronze battle star represents formal recognition for participation in combat; it adorned a signal flag and was first awarded to Signal Corps soldiers in 1862. Orange and white are the traditional colors of the Signal Corp. The hand on the crest personifying the Corps has grasped the lightning from the heavens, and is applying to military communications.