U. S. Army Element United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)

SHOULDER SLEEVE INSIGNIA Description: A rectangle 3 inches (7.32 cm) in height and 2 1/16 inches (5.24 cm) in width radiused at top and bottom with a gold (yellow) sunburst enflamed orange on an ultramarine blue disc and charged with a scarlet escutcheon above a chevron-shaped light blue field with nineteen gold lines radiating from the point of the chevron and bearing a representation in ultramarine blue of the continent of South America and Central America, all within a gold border. Symbolism: The sunburst denotes enlightened promotion of democratic institutions, cooperative efforts to oppose and overcome transnational threats to the region's stability and responsibility to protect its environment.  The eleven points of the burst and nineteen radiating gridlines below represent the countries, which comprise the area of responsibility, in the region of South and Central America and the Caribbean.   The shield signifies protection of the United States civilians, interests and forces committed to the area, the prevention of terrorist activity and assistance in reducing illicit source zone activities.  Blue represents worldwide capability, light blue indicates coastal security of the nations within the region.  Scarlet denotes sacrifice and courage, gold symbolizes excellence.  The color orange on the sunburst represents Central America, while the gold of the burst represents South America.  The five main points and six flames of the burst along with nineteen radiating lines below represent the thirty countries, which make up the area of responsibility region.  Ultramarine blue denotes worldwide capability, light blue signifies coastal security and protection.  Gold symbolizes excellence. Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 1 August 2003.