More accurately known as an organizational flash since it identifies a specific unit, the flash approved for U.S. Army personnel serving in Special Operations Command, South (SOCSOUTH) is worn centered on the stiffener of the maroon beret authorized for Airborne units. Officers wear their insignia of grade centered on the flash, while NCOs and Junior Enlisted Soldiers wear their Distinctive Unit Insignia on it in the same fashion. More detailed guidance, including some exceptions, is found in
paragraph 4-10(e) of the January 2021 edition of DA PAM 670-1.
Nicknamed “oval” for obvious reasons, Airborne background trimming is worn only by personnel in an Airborne unit or organization who have earned their Parachutist or Air Assault qualification badges. The main portion of the badge (i.e., not considering the star and wreath of the Senior and Master Parachutists badges) is centered on the oval and worn the AGSU and ASUA coat, the shirt of the Class B ASU, and the green or blue Army Maternity Tunic (female soldiers only). The badge and oval count as one item for placement and measurement purposes. Further guidance on the wear of ovals is found in DA Pam 670-1,
paragraph 21-32(a). Both the beret flash and Airborne background trimming for U.S. Army Element, SOCSOUTH were approved on 25 March 1987,
Related Items