Special Forces

Worn from:
19 August 1955 - Current.

The arrowhead alludes to the American Indian's basic
skills that Special Forces personnel are trained in
to a high degree. The dagger represents the unconventional
nature of Special Forces operations, and the three lightning
flashes reflects their ability to strike rapidly by air,
water, or land. As the Special Forces began arriving in
Vietnam in greater numbers, the design of the patch gave
rise to the nickname Saigon Electrical Works, which further
enhanced the already legendary mystique of this group.
The Special Forces concept actually grew out of the belief
that these special troops could be used after World War II
to train insurgent groups inside the Eastern Block; out of
this concept came the Green Berets.

The following insignia (numbers 11-15) were worn by
civilians attached to the United States Armed Forces
during World War II. Other designs were authorized.
They were worn as pocket patches