On a red stylized spearhead with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) red border, 3 1/2 inches (8.89 cm) in height and 2 inches (5.08 cm) in width overall, a black Fairbairn-Sykes dagger. A black tab with "AIRBORNE" in red letters is attached above the insignia.
The stylized spearhead alludes to the shoulder sleeve insignia worn by the 1st Special Service Forces and signifies the heritage and traditions that the US Army Special Operations Command will perpetuate. The unsheathed black dagger symbolizes total military preparedness and has long been associated with Army special operation forces.
The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved effective 1 December 1989. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-768)