A shield shaped embroidered device 3 1/2 inches (8.89 cm) in height by 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in width overall blazoned: Azure, on a spearhead Or an eight-pointed polestar Argent fimbriated Silver Gray inset crosswise four daggers of the last, the northern dagger enlarged, all within a bordure of the first. Attached above the shield a Blue embowed tab inscribed AIRBORNE in White letters, all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) Blue border.
The gold spearhead represents Special Operations Command Norths combatant command relationship to U.S. Special Operations Command. Blue is the prominent color of the insignia and is indicative of the Commands patriotism, loyalty, and devotion to duty. The eight-pointed polestar denotes the North Star which historically has been used by service members to orientate themselves. The V-42 dagger was the fighting knife issued to the First Special Force, a joint American/Canadian commando unit during WWII. The four instances of the dagger represent both the four nations in U.S. Northern Commands area of responsibility: United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas. The four daggers further denote the four services which make up special operations. The single larger dagger pointing north is further recognition to the Northern American geography associated with the Command.
The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 25 April 2014. It was amended to change the description on 27 August 2014. (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-1094)