The organizational flash and Airborne background trimming, or oval, for the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations (USACAPOC) were originally approved for the U.S. Army Reserve Special Operations Command on 31 July 1990. Following the assignment of active and Army Reserve Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations units to United States Special Operations Command on 27 November 1990, they both were redesignated to reflect the new command structure.
Also referred to as a beret flash or simply flash, the shield-shaped emblem with semi-circular base is worn centered on the stiffener of the maroon beret. Officers wear their non-subdued insignia of grade centered on the flash; Generals may choose the size of the star(s) worn on the flash, and they may overlap the edges of the flash. Noncommissioned Officers and Junior Enlisted Soldiers will wear the USACAPOC Distinctive Unit Insignia centered on the flash.
Ovals are worn beneath Parachutist and Air Assault badges, with the main portion of the badge (i.e., excluding the star and wreath of Senior and Master Parachutist badge) centered on the flash. The oval-badge combination is worn on AGSU and ASU coats (including ASU Dress variations) and shirts (excluding Class B AGSU) by male and female personnel, while female personnel are authorized to wear them on the blue or green Army Maternity Tunic. Complete wear guidance for Airborne background trimming is found in
paragraph 21–32(b)2 of the January 2021 edition of
DA PAM 670-1.
Related Items
USACAPOC Unit Patch (SSI)
USACAPOC Unit Crest (DUI)
USACAPOC Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)