The Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB) approved for wear by personnel serving in the United States Army Element (USAE) of the United States Special Operations Joint Task Force for Operation Inherent Resolved uses the same design as the USAE’s Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI).
While The Institute of Heraldry has no entry for either the SSI or the CSIB, the symbolism used on both is straightforward enough for anyone even a little familiar with heraldry in general and the heraldry of other insignias created for Inherent Resolve/War on Terrorism events or participation.
In the center of the oval-shaped badge is a spearhead, reflecting the fact that Special Ops units often are the initial attacking force, or the “tip of the spear”—a truth that could well be unknown to the friendly forces that are actually exploiting a vulnerability or opening created by SpecOps.
Below the spearhead are three distinct rings: these symbolize the forces assigned from the Army, Navy, and Air Force to the Joint Task Force. The four stars on the left and right sides of the insignia recall the four points of a compass, while the laurel wreath at the bottom is a symbol of excellence and high achievement.
Related Items
USAE, Special Operations Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve Patch (SSI)