On a silver and gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02 cm) in height a silver metal colored gridlined globe of the African, European and Asian continents as viewed from above the Northern Pole with a portion of the North American continent and Greenland visible to chief, all land masses filled black. Overall a stylized red spearhead bearing a black Fairbairn-Sykes dagger. Attached below the globe a pleated gold metal colored scroll inscribed with the Command motto "SINE PARI" in black letters.
The silver globe with land masses in black represents the ground combat domain that is our Nation's Army Special Operations Forces operating environment within the joint special operations community. The stylized spearhead is based upon the shoulder sleeve insignia worn by the 1st Special Service Force invoking the extraordinary fieldcraft and fighting spirit of Native American warriors. It further recalls the heritage and traditions that the US Army Special Operations Command has promulgated since its creation. The unsheathed dagger representing the Office of Strategic Services and the World War II Ranger Battalions symbolizes total military preparedness and readiness to service anywhere, anytime, anyplace, and anyhow. The gold scroll represents merit and honor and perpetuates the former insignia's motto of "Without Equal."
The current design of the distinctive unit insignia was approved on 5 October 2011. The former design approved on 21 February 1990 was cancelled the same date.