Commonly called a unit patch or shoulder patch, the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia of the United States Army Element of the North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Command, was approved on 3 October 2003. The design of the insignia reflects an aspect of NORAD of which most people are unaware: Its mission of defending the North American Continent belongs not only to all the Armed Forces of the United States, but also to Canada and its defense forces.
The insignia comes in a nonsubdued (color) version worn on the Army Green Service Uniform and two subdued versions for the Army Combat Uniform and other Utility uniforms, one made with Universal Camouflage Pattern (completely discontinued as of 30 September 2019) and the other with the Operational Camouflage Pattern that replaced it.
In the colored patch, the Army element of this joint, bi-national command is symbolized by the highlighted landmass of North America. Rising from behind the demi-globe are a pair of wings, enfolded around Northern Hemisphere as an allusion to the protection and defense provided by the additional elements that make up the unified command.
Commonly used in military heraldry, the upright sword is an emblem of defense that denotes military readiness and constant vigilance. The decisive striking power wielded by the command—and the breathtaking speed at which it could be unleashed if it should ever become necessary—is symbolized by the gold lightning bolts. And the Command’s primary mission of defense is further emphasized by the insignia’s shield-shaped design.
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North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Command Unit Crest (DUI)