Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Cmd
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia
Description
On a green shield with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) green border, 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width and 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height overall, a yellow flash above a purple flash both bend sinisterwise, superimposed by a gold sword with silver gray blade. To be worn with the black and yellow Airborne tab.
Symbolism
The sword represents the military nature and strength of the Command. The flashes suggest speed and electronic communications. The colors of the insignia reflect the units within the Command. Purple is traditionally associated with Civil Affairs and dark green with Psychological Operations and Special Forces. The color gold (yellow) denotes excellence.
Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the US Army Reserve Special Operations Command on 16 January 1990. It was amended to change the color of the border on 2 March 1990. It was amended to change the color of the subdued border on 30 April 1990. The insignia was redesignated for the US Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command on 19 December 1990. (TIOH Drawing Number A-1-774)
Combat Service Identification Badge
Description
A gold color metal and enamel device 2 inches (5.08 cm) in height consisting of a design similar to the shoulder sleeve insignia.
Distinctive Unit Insignia
Description
A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in width overall consisting of a diagonally crossed silver sword and fasces superimposed by a sphere divided vertically white and black and gridlined silver and interlaced with a tripartite red scroll inscribed "BY SWORD DEED AND WORD" in base in silver letters, overall a silver chess knight detailed black and inscribed on its base with a black nebuly line.
Symbolism
The chess knight typifies the capabilities of the Command, implying both overt and covert missions. It is inscribed on base with a nebuly line, the traditional heraldic symbol for clouds, indicating the unit's airborne capabilities. The globe is divided black and white to represent the unit's ability to deploy and operate worldwide night and day, as well as reflecting the multifaceted nature of the unit's mission as a combat force and a peacekeeping presence. The sword, chess knight and fasces suggest the three major components of the Command's mission: Special Operations, Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs functions. Silver connotes eminence and red signifies actions and valor.
Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved effective 1 December 1990, for the US Army Reserve Special Operations Command. It was redesignated for the US Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command with the symbolism revised on 19 December 1990.