Description
On a black shield within a 1/8 inch (.32cm) yellow (US Army yellow) border, 3 inches (7.62cm) overall in height, 2 yellow crossed arrows, points upward, surmounted by a white stylized antique lamp, the outline simulating the shape of the Greek letter "Psi," emitting 3 yellow and scarlet tongues of flame.
Symbolism
The lamp placed in the center of the shield refers to the U.S. Army Special Warfare Center (predecessor unit). The lamp also alludes to the U.S. Army Special Warfare School and the three tongues of flames to the three prime areas of instruction for which the School is responsible: Psychological Operations, Counter Insurgency, and Unconventional Warfare. The unconventional outline of the lamp, in simulating the shape of the Greek letter "Psi," refers symbolically to psychology - the traits, feelings, actions and attributes, collectively, of the mind; the tongues of flame implying the spoken and written words which are major tools of Psychological Warfare. The three flame sprouts at the top of the lamp simulate the heraldic delineation "embattled" - to array for battle. The two crossed arrows refer to the silence and stealth with which our early frontiersmen fought for the new found freedom in the New World, as well as the ingenuity, courage and survival by the usage of wasplike, yet devastating, attacks through the employment of irregular tactics, techniques and logistical support. The arrow, straight and true, thus characterizes the Special Forces of today. The color black signifies wisdom and prudence, the white perfection and faith, and the yellow constancy and inspiration. The black and white also allude to the "degrees" of propaganda used by Special Warfare units, a "gray degree" resulting from the admixture of black and white.
Background
The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the U.S. Army Special Warfare Center on 22 Oct 1962. It was redesignated for the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy for Special Warfare Center on 3 Aug 1964. On 25 Jul 1969 it was redesignated for the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Center for Military Assistance. The insignia was amended on 26 Aug 1981 to extend authorization for wear to personnel assigned to the U. S. Army Institute for Military Assistance. On 21 Feb 1984 the shoulder sleeve insignia was redesignated for the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center.
Distinctive Unit Insignia
Description
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height overall consisting of the shield, crest and motto of the device.
Symbolism
Black, white and gray of the background are symbolic of the three different phases of activity. The black also refers to the subversive nature of Special Operations. The torch is the classic symbol of light, learning, liberty and truth. The Trojan horse is universally recognized as a symbol of subversive activity. A horse also represents the Knight in chess, the only piece capable of moving indirectly and of striking from and within the enemy territory.
Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the Psychological Warfare School on 28 Nov 1952. It was redesignated on 18 Sep 1957 for the U.S. Army Special Warfare School. On 23 Mar 1970 it was redesignated for the U.S. Army Institute for Military Assistance. The insignia was amended on 26 Aug 1981 to extend authorization for wear to the personnel assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Center for Military Assistance. On 21 Feb 1984 the distinctive unit insignia was redesignated for the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center.
