Description
On an ultramarine blue oval fimbriated white with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) olive drab border 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width overall, a white parachute above a white vol, overall a yellow trident superimposed by a silver gray dagger point up in base, all superimposed by three red lightning flashes bendwise. Attached above the insignia is a blue arced tab inscribed “AIRBORNE” in white letters.

Symbolism
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 1st Special Service Force, ties the organization to its U.S. Army Special Operations forefathers. The wings represent the rotary wing aviation component of the Army. The trident is representative of the U.S. Army Special Forces surface, sub-surface and small boat operations.

Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 31 May 1995. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-818)