The U.S. Army Element, Special Operations Command Central unit patch, officially referred to as a Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-Military Operations in Hostile Conditions (SSI-MOHC), was approved on 27 October 1995. (Note: SSI-MOCH was formerly known as SSI-FWTS, with FWTS standing for “Former Wartime Service.”) This same design is used for the Command’s Combat Service ID Badge while the Command's motto of MOLON LABE is found on its Distinctive Unit Insignia, or DUI (see below for links to these products).
The various classes of special operations available for the Command to utilize are symbolized in the center of the insignia. A pair of spread white wings represents Airborne and air-based operations; the wings enwrap a trident, an emblem for underwater and sea-based operations; lightning flashes signify the modern communications and electronic warfare measures and countermeasures; and the dagger is an allusion to various Special Forces functions. The insignia’s shieldlike shape suggests both a strong defense and denotes the Command structure of the organization.
Related Items U.S. Army Special Operations Command Central Unit Crest (DUI)
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Central Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Central Beret Flash and Oval