Slowly but surely my British chapter of the Military Insignia 3D is gaining steam. Following my usual patterns and due to my downright respect and kin interest in anything that has to do with Special Forces, right after the major insignia was out of the way, my next British design turned out to be (surprise!) - Special Air Service, also known as SAS. The Special Air Service (SAS) is the British Army's most renowned Special Forces unit. From the moment several black-clad figures appeared on the balconies of the Iranian Embassy in London in 1980, the Special Air Service became 'celebrities' both at home and oversees. Their motto, 'Who Dares Wins', has become part of British popular culture. Special Air Service or SAS is a corps of the British Army constituted on 31 May 1950. They are part of the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) and have served as a model for the special forces of many other countries all over the world. The SAS together with the Special Boat Service (SBS), Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR), and the Special Forces Support Group (SFSG) form the UKSF under the command of the Director Special Forces. While the SAS traces its origins to 1941 and the Second World War, it was reformed as part of the Territorial Army in 1947, and named the 21st Battalion, SAS Regiment, (Artists Rifles). The Regular Army 22 SAS later gained fame and recognition worldwide after successfully assaulting the Iranian Embassy in London and rescuing hostages during the 1980 Iranian Embassy Siege, lifting the regiment from obscurity outside the military establishment. The Special Air Service presently comprises 22 Special Air Service Regiment of the Regular Army, 21 Special Air Service Regiment and 23 Special Air Service Regiment from the Territorial Army. It is tasked with special operations in wartime, and primarily counter-terrorism in peacetime. The 22nd Special Air Service regiment (22 SAS) comprises of 4 active 'sabre' squadrons : A, B, D, & G, each made up of around 60 men. Each Squadron is made up of 4 troops with each troop specializing in certain areas of expertise: Air Troop - skilled in parachute insertions (HALO, HAHO, static line etc) Boat Troop - specializing in amphibious operations Mobility Troop - masters of operations using a variety of vehicles Mountain Troop - expert mountaineers and trained in the disciplines of arctic warfare The S.A.S. has carried out many operations over the years, including everything from counter-terrorist assaults in the glare of the media spotlight to covert operations in Northern Ireland. The SAS are currently deployed to Iraq (with the SBS assigned to Afghanistan). It's reported that the SAS Squadron in Iraq is operating as part of 'Task Force Black' - the British contingent of US-led Task Force 88, tasked with hunting down Al-Qaeda leaders in the country. As always, the above insignia is available on number high quality products via my “Military Insignia” galleries exclusively from Zazzle.com. Simply follow the links in the article to navigate to the corresponding galleries. I also will make my insignia designs available free of charge to any military units and personnel, to be used for the purpose of any non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families. I will also make my designs available free of charge to any military branches, formations and units for any non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit-related web design, training materials or presentations, as I have done on a number of occasions. The above information provided in part by www.eliteukforces.info, www.sasregiment.org.uk, www.sasspecialairservice.com, and Wikipedia

Canadian Forces (CF) The Canadian Forces (CF) (French: Forces canadiennes; FC), officially the Canadian Armed Forces (French: Forces armées canadiennes), are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces." This singular institution consists of three main branches: Maritime Command (MARCOM), Land Force Command (LFC), and Air Command (AIRCOM), which are together overseen by the Armed Forces Council, chaired by the Chief of the Defence Staff. At the pinnacle of the command structure is the Commander-in-Chief, who is the reigning Canadian monarch, Elizabeth II, represented by the Governor General. The current iteration of the Canadian Forces dates from 1 February 1968, when the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force were merged into a unified structure. Its roots, however, lie in colonial militia groups that served alongside garrisons of the French and British armies and navies; a structure that remained in place until the early 20th century. Thereafter, a distinctly Canadian army and navy was established, followed by an air force, that, because of the constitutional arrangements at the time, remained effectively under the control of the British government until Canada gained legislative independence from the United Kingdom in 1931, partly due to the performance and sacrifice of the Canadian Corps in the First World War. Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) [Edited to add on Sept. 24, 2013] The Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC; French: Commandement des opérations interarmées du Canada or COIC) is one of the two unified commands of the Canadian Forces, the other one being the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. CJOC was announced in May 2012 as the result of the cost-cutting measures in the 2012 federal budget through the merger of Canada Command, the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command and the Canadian Operational Support Command under an integrated command-and-control structure. The command was stood up on 5 October 2012 to officially replace the three former organizations. The command team is composed of a three-star commander, assisted by three two-star deputy commanders, one for each of the three main components (Continental, Expeditionary, and Support). The team is rounded out by a one-star chief of staff and four senior non-commissioned members, an overall command chief warrant/petty officer, and a command chief warrant/petty officer for each component. CJOC's role is to "anticipate and conduct Canadian Forces operations, and develop, generate and integrate joint force capabilities for operations." The continental component consists of six regional joint task forces. In five of these JTFs, the commander also commands an army division or a maritime force. The five southern JTFs have no permanent operational units: units and detachments are temporarily assigned to them from the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force according to operational requirements. Canadian Operational Support Command (CANOSCOM) The Canadian Operational Support Command or CANOSCOM (in french : Commandement du soutien opérationnel du Canada or COMSOCAN) is one of seven commands of the Canadian Forces (CF). It provides the CF with combat support (including logistics, military engineering, land equipment maintenance services, communications and information systems, health services and military police) and service for both domestic and international missions. CANOSCOM consists of approximately 1,100 soldiers from all branches of the Canadian Forces who provide operations support to thousands of Canadian Forces involved in many missions. The CANOSCOM commands the Canadian Forces Joint Support Group, the Canadian Forces Joint Signal Regiment and J4 Materiel. CANOSCOM oversees 16 units and formations. Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM) Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (french: Commandement de la Force expéditionnaire du Canada) is an operational element of the Canadian Forces for operations outside of Canada. Under the CF structure, Canadian Expeditionary Forces Command (CEFCOM) is the unified command that is responsible for all Canadian Forces (CF) international operations, with the exception of operations conducted solely by Canadian Special Operations Forces Command elements. Similar to the integrated chain of command put in place under Canada Command (Canada COM), the CF’s operational command headquarters responsible for domestic operations, CEFCOM will bring together under one operational command the maritime, land and air force assets to conduct humanitarian, peace support or combat operations wherever they are required internationally. Headquartered in Ottawa, CEFCOM is responsible for setting the standards for integrated training and final certification of assigned forces – ensuring that all units and personnel selected to conduct overseas duties are fully trained and ready to do so. Canada Command (CANADACOM) Canada Command (CANADACOM) (in French : Commandement Canada or COMCAN) is one of the seven commands of the Canadian Forces. Stood up on February 1, 2006, it is responsible for all domestic operations and national security missions; as an operational commands, it works closely with environment commands such as the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, as well as with other operational commands such as Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, Canadian Expeditionary Force Command and Canadian Operational Support Command. CANCOM also maintains a close relationship with its American counterpart, the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), and contributes to NORAD alongside with the 1 Canadian Air Division of the Canadian Forces Air Command. Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was the air force of Canada from 1924 until 1968. Canadian Air Force was reestablished as Royal Canadian Air Force in 2011. Prior to 1924, Canada's involvement with air defence consisted of Canadian airmen flying with the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service, with the short-lived Canadian Aviation Corps, and with a small two-squadron Canadian Air Force attached to the Royal Air Force in England during the First World War. In 1920 another Canadian Air Force was established in Canada that was concerned mostly with military flight training and civil operations. This Canadian Air Force was renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924 and continued its focus on civil aviation. The RCAF's focus changed to one of a military nature and it became an active participant in the Second World War and the Cold War. In 1968 the three branches of the Canadian military were merged into the Canadian Forces and the RCAF was disbanded. The modern Canadian air force has been known as Canadian Forces Air Command (AIRCOM) since 1975, but still refers to itself as the "Air Force" and maintains many of the traditions of the RCAF. In 2011 it was renamed back to Royal Canadian Air Force, as a measure of preserving Canadian military heritage. Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN, Marine royale canadienne in French) was the navy of Canada from 1911 to 1968. From May 4, 1910, to August 29, 1911, the navy was known as the Naval Service of Canada and operationally as Canadian Naval Forces. The RCN played a role in the First World War, contributed significantly to the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War, and was a part of NATO's force buildup during the Cold War. However 1960s politicians believed that unification of the services was more appropriate than single services remaining. Therefore in 1968 all three Canadian services were unified to form the Canadian Armed Forces (short form: Canadian Forces (CF)). In 2011 Canadian Naval Forces were reestablished as the Royal Canadian Navy, for the same reasons the old name was returned to Royal Canadian Air Force. Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) (French: Garde côtière canadienne - GCC) is the coast guard of Canada. It is a federal agency responsible for providing maritime search and rescue (SAR), aids to navigation, marine pollution response, marine radio, and icebreaking. Unlike some other coast guards, such as the United States Coast Guard, the CCG is a civilian organisation with no military or law enforcement responsibilities. The Canadian Coast Guard is headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario and is a Special Operating Agency within the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Canadian Forces Land Force Command (LFC) The Canadian Forces Land Force Command (LFC), often called the Canadian Army, is responsible for army operations within the Canadian Forces. The current size of Land Force Command is 19,500 regular soldiers and 16,000 reserve soldiers, for a total of around 35,500 soldiers. LFC maintains regular forces units at bases across Canada and is also responsible for the largest component of the Primary Reserve, the Army Reserve, which is often referred to informally by its historic name, the "militia". The Chief of the Land Staff is Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin. LFC is the descendant of the Canadian Army which was the name of Canada's land forces from 1940 until February 1, 1968. At the time of unification all army units were placed under Mobile Command (MC), later changed to Force Mobile Command (FMC) in 1975 when tactical air units were assigned to newly-created Air Command. The name was changed from FMC to Land Force Command in a 1997 reorganization of the Canadian Forces. Royal Canadian Infantry Corps (RCIC) The Royal Canadian Infantry Corps is the Corps to which all Canadian infantry regiments belong. This is also known as the "Infantry Branch". Originally formed as the Canadian Infantry Corps in 1942 to encompass all existing infantry regiments, including regiments of foot guards, in the Canadian Army. The corps was granted its "royal" designation in 1947 and was designated Royal Canadian Infantry Corps 30 April 1947 to be redesignated The Royal Canadian Infantry Corps 22 March 1948 and revert back to Royal Canadian Infantry Corps 18 April 1955. The crest of the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps consists of a circle, with a Kings Crown on top, superimposed on two rifles, with the text "Infantry Infanterie." There is a ribbon with the text "Ducimus" on the bottom. At the center of the circle is a stem with tree maple leaves. With integration of the Canadian Forces it became Infantry Branch, Canadian Forces 2 May 1969. Today, the administration and training and both the regular and reserve infantry that form part of Land Command is the responsibility of the Infantry School, which runs courses in all aspects of infantry operation, and is stationed at CFB Gagetown. Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC) The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC) is the armoured branch of service of the Canadian Forces Land Force Command (Canadian Army), including regular force and reserve regiments. The corps was formed on 13 August 1940 as the Canadian Armoured Corps with Major-General (then Colonel) F. F. Worthington as its first colonel-commandant, but claimed lineage from the Canadian Tank Corps of the First World War. The royal designation was added on 2 August 1945, after the European war ended. Canadian armoured regiments split their heritage between the cavalry, from which many armoured regiments were created, and the infantry beginning in 1936 with the creation of "infantry (tank)" regiments and continuing from 1940 when many infantry regiments mobilized armoured units for the Second World War and eventually transferred from the (Royal) Canadian Infantry Corps into the RCAC. In Canada, with the integration of the Canadian army into the Canadian Forces, the Armour Branch has continued to use the title Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery (RCA) The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery (Fr: le Régiment royal de l'Artillerie canadienne) is the artillery personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). Many of the units and batteries of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery are older than Canada itself. The first artillery company in Canada was formed in the province of Quebec in 1750. Volunteer Canadian artillery batteries existed before 1855 but their history is mostly unknown. Seven batteries of artillery were formed after the passage of the Militia Act of 1855 which allowed Canada to retain a paid military force of 5,000 men. One of the pre-1855 volunteer batteries formed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1793 was called the “Loyal Company of Artillery” and exists today as the 3rd Field Regiment, RCA. Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA) The Royal Canadian Horse Artillery is the name given to the regular field artillery units of the Canadian Army. RCHA units are the senior units of the Canadian land field force, with a history dating back to the birth of Canada as a nation. 'A' and 'B' Batteries of Garrison Artillery were formed as the first units of Canada's permanent military force in 1871 in Kingston and Quebec City respectively, with a third ('C' Battery) authorized in 1883 and formed in 1887 in Esquimalt. These bore the name of the Regiment of Canadian Artillery, with the Royal Canadian Artillery being formed as the militia element in 1895. In 1905, to distinguish between the regular force and militia, the regulars were given the title Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) (French: Commandement des Forces d'opérations spéciales du Canada; COMFOSCAN), is a command of the Canadian Forces. It is responsible for all special forces operations that are capable of responding to terrorism and threats to Canadians and Canadian interests around the world. CANSOFCOM is composed of: · Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2) - Dwyer Hill Training Centre, Ottawa · Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) - CFB Petawawa · 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS)- CFB Petawawa · Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) - CFB Kingston and Trenton · Task Force Arrowhead (2011) CANSOFCOM is capable of operating as an independent formation but its primary focus is to generate Special Operations Forces (SOF) elements to support Canada Command (Canada COM) and the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM). Integrating special operations forces in this manner increases their impact in operations, as well as the range of options available to the government in the deployment of the Canadian Forces. CANSOFCOM core tasks are as follows: to provide the Canadian Forces with a capacity to prevent and react to terrorism in all environments, to provide the CF with a capability to perform other missions as directed by the Government of Canada, such as direct action (DA), special reconnaissance (SR), defence diplomacy and military assistance (DDMA), as well as special humanitarian assistance (such as the evacuation of non-combatants) Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) (French: Deuxième Force opérationnelle interarmées) is an elite Special Operations Force of the Canadian Armed Forces primarily tasked with counter-terrorism operations. JTF2 together with the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR), 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS), and the Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) form the operational elements of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. Much of the information regarding Joint Task Force 2 is highly classified, and is not commented on by either the Government of Canada or the Department of National Defence on the unit’s capabilities, organization, and operational missions. Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) The Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) (French : Régiment d'opérations spéciales du Canada) is a battalion-sized, high-readiness special operations unit part of CANSOFCOM. CSOR is capable of conducting and enabling a broad range of missions, including Direct Action (DA), Defence Diplomacy and Military Assistance (DDMA), Special Reconnaissance (SR) and Domestic Counter Terrorism (Dom CT). CSOR personnel are intelligent, physically fit, and possess a host of skills that enable them to operate effectively in challenging environments. CSOR is internationally recognized for being an innovative, cutting-edge special operations force 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS) 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS) is a tactical helicopter unit that provides aviation support to Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. The squadron is based at CFB Petawawa, Ontario with a fleet of Bell CH-146 Griffon helicopters. 427 started as a bomber squadron formed at Croft, England on 7 November 1942 and spent its wartime entirely in England as a part of No. 6 Group RCAF, RAF Bomber Command. 427 flew Vickers Wellington Mk IIIs and Mk Xs from its first operational mission on 14 December 1942, a minelaying sortie to the Frisian Islands, until May of 1943 when it was relocated to Leeming, North Yorkshire. 1 February 2006 saw command of 427 transferred to Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, as it took on a full-time role of special operations aviation support. Shortly thereafter, it was renamed as, "427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (SOAS)." Unlike the 160th SOAR (US Army), there are no specialized standards (in the "Special Operations context") for any 427 SOAS members unlike the other units in CANSOFCOM - JTF 2, CSOR and CJIRU and entrance into 427 SOAS requires only "negotiations through Career Managers and losing units. Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) The Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit of the Canadian Forces was created "to provide timely and agile broad-based CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) support to the Government of Canada in order to prevent, control and mitigate CBRN threats to Canada, Canadians and Canadian interests." It is a sub-unit of the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Company, which in turn forms part of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. Subsequent to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the Chief Review Services Report on Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence of the same year, it became evident that the Canadian Forces needed to increase the breadth of its NBCD capabilities. The federal government, under then-Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, allotted $30 million in the December 2001 budget to enhance this capability and create the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Company (JNBCD Coy). In September 2007 the CJIRU was created as the rapid deployment response team of the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Company (JNBCD Coy) due to the company's vast operational capabilities, duties and responsibilities. Due to the requirement for rapid deployment of the unit, CJIRU is based alongside airlift assets at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario. The JNBCD Coy Headquarters is located at CFB Kingston, Ontario. Canadian Military Engineers (CME) The Canadian Military Engineers (CME) is the military engineer branch of the Canadian Forces. The mission of the Canadian Military Engineers is to contribute to the survival, mobility, and combat effectiveness of the Canadian Forces. Their roles are to conduct combat operations, support the Canadian Forces in war and peace, support national development, provide assistance to civil authorities, and support international aid programs. Military engineers’ responsibilities encompass the use of demolitions and land mines, the design, construction and maintenance of defensive works and fortifications, urban operations (hostile room entry), breaching obstacles, establishing/maintaining lines of communication, and bridging. They also provide water, power and other utilities, provide fire, aircraft crash and rescue services, hazardous material operations, and develop maps and other engineering intelligence. In addition, military engineers are experts in deception and concealment, as well as in the design and development of equipment necessary to carry out these operations. The official role of the Combat Engineer is to allow friendly troops to live, move and fight on the battlefield and deny that to the enemy. Canadian Forces Military Police The Canadian Forces Military Police provide military police services to the Canadian Forces. Canadian Military Police are unusual in that they are classified as Peace Officers in the Criminal Code of Canada, which gives them the same powers as civilian law enforcement personnel to enforce Acts of Parliament on DND property or in relation to DND property anywhere in the world. They have the power to arrest anyone who is subject to the Code of Service Discipline (CDS), regardless of position or rank under the National Defence Act. MPs have the power to arrest non-CDS bound civilians only in cases where a crime is committed on or in relation to DND property, or at the request of the Minister of Public Safety, Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada or Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Although MP jurisdiction is on military establishments across Canada and throughout the world, any civilian accessing these areas falls under MP jurisdiction and are dealt with in the same manner as any civilian policing agency. If in fact a crime is committed on or in relation to DND property, CFMP have the power to arrest and charge the offender, military or civilian, on or off DND property. It is important to note though that the purpose of the CFMP is not to replace the job of a civilian police officer, but rather to support the Canadian Forces through security and policing services. Communications and Electronics (C&E) The Communications and Electronics (C&E) Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). Major Wallace Bruce Matthews Carruthers (13 February 1863 - 21 October 1910) was the founder of the Canadian Signalling Corps, forerunner of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals and the Communications and Electronics Branch of the Canadian Forces. The Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics(CFSCEE) in Kingston, Ontario was founded in 1937. Initially, CFSCEE provided training in Communications and Electronics in Canadian Army and now in the Canadian Forces. The last "E" was dropped in recent times, and is now called CFSCE. CFSCE provides basic, intermediate and advanced training to military personnel in the field of Communications and Electronics Canadian Forces Medical Service (CFMS) The Canadian Forces Medical Service (CFMS) provides medical support for the Canadian Forces (CF) both at home and abroad. It is also a personnel branch of the CF. The CFMS along with the Canadian Forces Dental Service (CFDS) form the Canadian Forces Health Services Group (CF H Svcs Gp). The branch has its origins in the Dominion government's 1885 response to the North-West Rebellion, with the appointment of Canada's first Surgeon General, Doctor Darby Bergin of Cornwall, Ontario, and the mobilization of two field hospitals. It suffered significant budgetary cutbacks after the 1994 Broadbent Report following the end of the Cold War, with three of its six military hospitals being closed. More of the CFMS History can be found at the CF Health Services web site. Former Colonel in Chief was Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (mother of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II). The current Colonel in Chief is Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (daughter of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince Phillip) Canadian Forces Intelligence Branch The Intelligence (Int) Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF) that is concerned with providing relevant and correct information to enable commanders to make decisions. The Intelligence Branch of the Canadian Forces works in a variety of challenging positions, at home and abroad, meeting the needs of commanders and operational planners of the Canadian Forces at all levels and in all environments, be it on overseas missions like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Somalia, Rwanda, East Timor, and Afghanistan, or at home like the ice storms in Quebec, floods in Winnipeg, and fires in British Columbia. Army intelligence reservists, employed at 6 Intelligence Company (Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg), 2 Intelligence Company (Toronto) and 2 Intelligence Platoon (Ottawa), 4 Intelligence Company (platoons in Montreal and Quebec City), 3 Intelligence Company (Halifax, Nova Scotia), make a vital contribution to this effort while in garrison or deployed on overseas missions. Canadian Forces Logistics Branch The Logistics (Log) Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). When the Army, Royal Canadian Navy, and Royal Canadian Air Force were merged in 1968 to form the Canadian Forces, the administrative Corps of the Army were deactivated and merged with their Naval and Air Force counterparts to form the Canadian Forces' personnel branches. The Royal Canadian Army Service Corps transport and supply elements were combined with the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps to form the Logistics Branch The Royal Canadian Postal Corps, Royal Canadian Army Service Corps clerical trades, and Royal Canadian Army Pay Corps were merged to form the Administration Branch (later merged with the Logistics Branch). In April 2007, the CF Armed Forces Council decided to incorporate the Personnel Selection Branch into the Logistics branch. Canadian Forces Legal Branch The Legal Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). It primarily deals with the Canadian Forces' legal affairs. The Military Law Centre on the grounds of the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario which is staffed with nine military lawyers, oversees the education of officers and troops in legal matters ranging from the Forces' own code of conduct to the laws of war. It trains military lawyers and advises Ottawa on matters of policy and doctrine. The centre integrates legal education into the regular training that Forces members undergo and establishes its growing importance within the military hierarchy. Personnel Selection Branch The Personnel Selection Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). The Personnel Selection branch was created in the Canadian Army on 18 September 1941. Later on the Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy followed suit. Officers of the Personnel Selection (PSEL) branch provide behavioural science services to enable the Canadian Forces (CF) to effectively assess, acquire, integrate, and maintain personnel for operational and support roles. The primary tasks of a Personnel Selection Officer (PSO) require the application of professional behavioural science knowledge and procedures in the assessment of people and human factors that affect working relationships. Through interviews, psychological testing, and other sources of information, PSOs assess the suitability of individuals for military service and recommend subsequent assignment to an appropriate military occupation for training. They also assess and recommend the suitability of military personnel for special training or employment. In April 2007, the CF Armed Forces Council decided to incorporate the Personnel Selection Branch into the Logistics branch. Canadian Defence Academy (CDA) The Canadian Defence Academy is an organization located within the Canadian Forces created in 2000. The academy is situated within the Military Personnel Command. CDA is comprised several training institutes such as the Royal Military College of Canada and the Royal Military College Saint-Jean. Royal Canadian Regiment (The RCR) The Royal Canadian Regiment (The RCR) is an infantry regiment of the Canadian Forces. The regiment consists of four battalions, three in the Regular Force and one in the Primary Reserve (militia). The RCR is the senior infantry regiment in the Regular Force, but its 4th Battalion (formerly the London and Oxford Fusiliers) is ranked 11th in the order of precedence among infantry regiments in the Primary Reserve. The regiment's four battalions are stationed in Ontario and New Brunswick. With many of its soldiers drawn from Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces in recent decades, the regiment maintains a general connection as the "local" infantry regiment for eastern Canada. The RCR maintains a Regimental Headquarters (RHQ) in Petawawa, Ontario, which has no operational command role but handles regimental affairs outside the responsibility of the individual Battalions. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum is located within historic Wolseley Hall in London, Ontario. Wolseley Barracks in London has been continuously occupied by some element of the regiment since construction of Wolseley Hall was completed in 1888. At various times Wolseley Barracks has been the home of the 1st and 2nd Battalions, and remains the home of the 4th Battalion today. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI, generally referred to as Patricia's) is one of the three main infantry regiments of the Canadian Forces (CF). It is one of the most decorated regiments in Canada. The regiment is composed of four battalions including a primary reserve battalion, for a total of 2,000 soldiers. The PPCLI is the main lodger unit of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton in Alberta and CFB Shilo in Manitoba, and belongs to the Land Force Western Area; as such it is the "local" regular infantry regiment for much of western and Pacific Canada. The Loyal Edmonton Regiment is the reserve battalion of the regiment and carries the designation '4th Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry'. The regiment is not an operational structure, but rather a protocolary one. The four battalions are thus operational entities, under the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group for the Regular Force and the 41 Canadian Brigade Group for the Primary Reserve. Although the regiment carries the designation of 'Light Infantry', two of its battalions are mechanized infantry, and the unit has never been organized as a traditional light infantry regiment. The PPCLI was raised on the initiative of Captain Andrew Hamilton Gault in 1914, to participate in the Canadian war effort for the First World War. It was the first Canadian infantry unit to enter the theatre of operations, arriving in France on December 21, 1914. The regiment has also participated in the Second World War, the Korean War and the War in Afghanistan, as well as in numerous NATO operations and UN peacekeeping missions. The regiment has received 39 battle honours, two mentions of the Commander-in-Chief and the United States Presidential Unit Citation. Royal 22e Régiment The Royal 22e Régiment is an infantry regiment and the most famous francophone organization of the Canadian Forces. The regiment comprises three Regular Force battalions, two Primary Reserve battalions, and a band, making it the largest regiment in the Canadian Army. The ceremonial home of the regiment is La Citadelle in Quebec City, where the regimental museum is housed. The regiment is nicknamed the Van Doos, an anglicized mispronunciation of vingt-deux ("twenty-two" in French.) The regiment's regimental headquarters is located in Quebec City, with all three of its regular battalions stationed at various bases in the province of Quebec. The regiment serves as the "local" infantry regiment for Quebec. Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) is an armoured regiment of the Canadian Army. It is one of three armoured regiments in the Regular Force and forms part of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. The Royal Canadian Dragoons is the most senior cavalry regiment in Canada, having been formed on December 21, 1883, 3:03 pm, as the Cavalry School Corps, as a result of the Militia Act of 1883, which also created the Infantry School Corps (now The Royal Canadian Regiment). The Militia Act of 1883 emphasized the need for a fully trained army to defend Canada, as its defences had been pierced during the Fenian raids. In 1887 it was renamed the Royal School of Cavalry. In 1892 the regiment was renamed as the Canadian Dragoons and in 1893 it became The Royal Canadian Dragoons. It served in the North-West campaign of 1885, the Second Boer War, First World War, Second World War, past peacekeeping (such as Somalia, Korea, and Kosovo among others) and Afghanistan with distinction. The regiment currently serves as part of Land Force Central Area's 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group based at CFB Petawawa, Ontario, and is a dedicated reconnaissance regiment. It converted to this role in April 2003, and was equipped solely with Coyote light armoured reconnaissance vehicles. In late 2006 the regiment was once again equipped with the Leopard tank. In March 2007, a Tank Troop was stood up and prepared to deploy to Afghanistan with the Leopard 2A6M. C Squadron was reformed and stationed in CFB Gagetown with the promise of tank capability in 2012. Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH [RC]) Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH [RC]) is a regular armoured regiment of the Canadian Forces. Currently based in Edmonton, Alberta, the regiment is part of Land Force Western Area's 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. When deployed overseas, however, the regiment is placed in ad hoc formations that report directly to National Defence Headquarters and not to 1 CMBG. Members of the regiment are commonly called Strathconas or Strats as a short form. The regiment is currently composed of a regimental headquarters and five primary squadrons: A, B, C, Reconnaissance ('Recce') and Headquarters. In September 2006, B Squadron deployed to Afghanistan using the Leopard C2, the first NATO deployment of main battle tanks (MBTs) to Afghanistan. Currently, one Squadron is deployed as part of the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (1 PPCLI) Battle Group. Each year the squadron that distinguishes itself with the highest efficiency rating in the Regiment earns the title "Prince of Wales Squadron" for the year. The regiment has seven affiliated cadet corps in Alberta and British Columbia. The main vehicles operated by Lord Strathcona's Horse are the Leopard tank and the Coyote Reconnaissance Vehicle. Due to a change in Canadian army doctrine in the early 2000s away from heavy armour to more infantry-centred operations, Lord Strathcona's Horse was for several years the only regular armoured regiment to operate MBTs. This was until the 2006 announcement that the Royal Canadian Dragoons would be re-equipped with a squadron of Leopards. The regimental motto is Perseverance. 12th Armoured Regiment of Canada The 12e Régiment blindé du Canada (12th Armoured Regiment of Canada) is a Canadian Forces armoured regiment based in CFB Valcartier, on the outskirts of Quebec City. The regiment has both Regular Force and Primary Reserve components. The 12e Régiment blindé du Canada's abbreviation is 12e RBC. Both the regular and militia regiments serve mainly in the armoured reconnaissance role but a squadron of tanks is now being formed out of Valcartier. origins are in The Three Rivers Regiment, a militia (Reserve Force) regiment based in Trois-Rivières, a town halfway between Montreal and Quebec City. Originally formed in 1871 as the 178th provisional battalion of Infantry and after many name changes, became the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada in 1968. This was a new Regular Force regiment which was created in Valcartier, while a militia unit was left in Trois-Rivières under the name 12e Régiment blindé du Canada (Milice). The number in the regimental title commemorates The Three Rivers Regiment's order of battle during the Second World War: 12th Canadian Armoured Regiment (The Three Rivers Regiment). The Canadian Army traditionally avoided having city or region names in the titles of its Regular Force regiments; this was likely the reason for the 1960s name change (additionally, the name of the unit used English spelling for a French city.) British Columbia Dragoons (BCD) The British Columbia Dragoons (BCD) is a Primary Reserve armoured reconnaissance regiment of the Canadian Forces. It is based in Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton, British Columbia. The British Columbia Dragoons are part of Land Force Western Area's 39 Canadian Brigade Group. The British Columbia Dragoons trace their origins to the formation of the Canadian Mounted Rifles, two independent squadrons of horse in Kamloops and Vernon in 1908. In 1910 two additional squadrons were raised and the regiment was renamed the British Columbia Horse. In 1912 the unit was renamed again as the 30th Regiment, British Columbia Horse. 1914 saw the formation of the Victoria Independent Squadron on Vancouver Island. 1st Hussars The 1st Hussars is an armoured Primary Reserve regiment of the Canadian Forces, currently based in London, Ontario and Sarnia, Ontario. The 1st Hussars traces its roots to the formation of the St. Thomas Troop of Volunteer Militia Cavalry in March 1856 and the First Troop of Volunteer Militia Cavalry of London in July of the same year. In 1863, these units were redesignated the St. Thomas Troop of Cavalry and the London Troop of Cavalry, respectively. Both troops were put on active duty in southwestern Ontario in response to the Fenian raid of 1866, but neither had contact with the invading forces. Despite "1st" in the title, the regiment is not the most senior armoured unit. With the militia reorganization of 1872, the senior or only cavalry regiment within a Militia District adopted the numerical designation of that district. Southwestern Ontario comprised Military District No. 1, hence the original designation as the 1st Regiment of Cavalry. The unit was renamed 1st Hussars in 1892 and because a British mounted unit numbered "1" never existed, it was unnecessary to add a 'Canada' or 'Canadian' modifier. Following the Second World War, because of wartime and earlier conversion to armour of some more senior infantry regiments, the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps decided that seniority would be determined by date of birth, regardless of the Corps in which the unit was raised. Regular Force regiments take precedence, and seniority among themselves by date of birth. 1st Hussars is placed seventh in the order of seniority of militia armoured regiments. The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) (RCAC) is a Primary Reserve armoured reconnaissance (recce) regiment of the Canadian Forces; the regiment is subordinate to 39 Canadian Brigade Group of Land Force Western Area. Established in 1883, it is the oldest military unit in Vancouver, British Columbia. It parades at the Beatty Street Drill Hall at the corner of Dunsmuir and Beatty in Downtown Vancouver. The regiment has been variously designated as garrison artillery, rifles, infantry, and armoured, but has been reconnaissance since 1965. It has received forty battle honours in its history, and has been a formation of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps since 1942. On 1 June 1866, the Seymour Artillery Company was formed at New Westminster, British Columbia in preparation for Fenian raids. Irish nationalists had landed in San Francisco and were attempting to sail north to launch an attack on the British Empire. Many of the recruits had been members of the Royal Engineers detachment that established New Westminster as the capital of the new colony and built roads and surveyed the area under Captain Richard Moody. That detachment was disbanded in 1863, but most chose to stay and settle in the area, and subsequently enlisted when the call was made. The Fenian raid on BC never happened, but the nucleus of the British Columbia Regiment was in place. Fort Garry Horse The Fort Garry Horse is a Canadian Army Reserve Armoured Regiment based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is currently part of Land Force Western Area's 38 Canadian Brigade Group. The regiment was formed in 1912, as the 34th Regiment of Cavalry. In 1913 it was renamed 34th Fort Garry Horse. In 1914, a new armory was specially built on Maryland Street in Winnipeg. In the First World War, volunteers from the regiment helped form the 6th Battalion, CEF, later Canadian Cavalry Depot, then later The Fort Garry Horse for active service in France. In 1949 the regiment was renamed The Fort Garry Horse (10th Armoured Regiment). In 1958 a Regular Force component, 1st Fort Garry Horse was formed the Militia was titled 2nd Fort Garry Horse. The titles were changed shortly afterward to The Fort Garry Horse and The Fort Garry Horse (M). In 1970 the Regular Force component was disbanded and the Militia regiment retained the title The Fort Garry Horse. In 2003, the regiment began hosting personnel to help create a new unit of the Canadian Military Engineers. It is planned that these personnel will eventually form 31 Field Engineer Squadron. The engineers in this unit have the distinction of being the only reservists in Canada to wear the black beret of the Armoured Corps with the cap badge of the Canadian Military Engineers.

Canadian Forces (CF) The Canadian Forces (CF) (French: Forces canadiennes; FC), officially the Canadian Armed Forces (French: Forces armées canadiennes), are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces." This singular institution consists of three main branches: Maritime Command (MARCOM), Land Force Command (LFC), and Air Command (AIRCOM), which are together overseen by the Armed Forces Council, chaired by the Chief of the Defence Staff. At the pinnacle of the command structure is the Commander-in-Chief, who is the reigning Canadian monarch, Elizabeth II, represented by the Governor General. The current iteration of the Canadian Forces dates from 1 February 1968, when the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force were merged into a unified structure. Its roots, however, lie in colonial militia groups that served alongside garrisons of the French and British armies and navies; a structure that remained in place until the early 20th century. Thereafter, a distinctly Canadian army and navy was established, followed by an air force, that, because of the constitutional arrangements at the time, remained effectively under the control of the British government until Canada gained legislative independence from the United Kingdom in 1931, partly due to the performance and sacrifice of the Canadian Corps in the First World War. Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) [Edited to add on Sept. 24, 2013] The Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC; French: Commandement des opérations interarmées du Canada or COIC) is one of the two unified commands of the Canadian Forces, the other one being the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. CJOC was announced in May 2012 as the result of the cost-cutting measures in the 2012 federal budget through the merger of Canada Command, the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command and the Canadian Operational Support Command under an integrated command-and-control structure. The command was stood up on 5 October 2012 to officially replace the three former organizations. The command team is composed of a three-star commander, assisted by three two-star deputy commanders, one for each of the three main components (Continental, Expeditionary, and Support). The team is rounded out by a one-star chief of staff and four senior non-commissioned members, an overall command chief warrant/petty officer, and a command chief warrant/petty officer for each component. CJOC's role is to "anticipate and conduct Canadian Forces operations, and develop, generate and integrate joint force capabilities for operations." The continental component consists of six regional joint task forces. In five of these JTFs, the commander also commands an army division or a maritime force. The five southern JTFs have no permanent operational units: units and detachments are temporarily assigned to them from the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force according to operational requirements. Canadian Operational Support Command (CANOSCOM) The Canadian Operational Support Command or CANOSCOM (in french : Commandement du soutien opérationnel du Canada or COMSOCAN) is one of seven commands of the Canadian Forces (CF). It provides the CF with combat support (including logistics, military engineering, land equipment maintenance services, communications and information systems, health services and military police) and service for both domestic and international missions. CANOSCOM consists of approximately 1,100 soldiers from all branches of the Canadian Forces who provide operations support to thousands of Canadian Forces involved in many missions. The CANOSCOM commands the Canadian Forces Joint Support Group, the Canadian Forces Joint Signal Regiment and J4 Materiel. CANOSCOM oversees 16 units and formations. Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM) Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (french: Commandement de la Force expéditionnaire du Canada) is an operational element of the Canadian Forces for operations outside of Canada. Under the CF structure, Canadian Expeditionary Forces Command (CEFCOM) is the unified command that is responsible for all Canadian Forces (CF) international operations, with the exception of operations conducted solely by Canadian Special Operations Forces Command elements. Similar to the integrated chain of command put in place under Canada Command (Canada COM), the CF’s operational command headquarters responsible for domestic operations, CEFCOM will bring together under one operational command the maritime, land and air force assets to conduct humanitarian, peace support or combat operations wherever they are required internationally. Headquartered in Ottawa, CEFCOM is responsible for setting the standards for integrated training and final certification of assigned forces – ensuring that all units and personnel selected to conduct overseas duties are fully trained and ready to do so. Canada Command (CANADACOM) Canada Command (CANADACOM) (in French : Commandement Canada or COMCAN) is one of the seven commands of the Canadian Forces. Stood up on February 1, 2006, it is responsible for all domestic operations and national security missions; as an operational commands, it works closely with environment commands such as the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, as well as with other operational commands such as Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, Canadian Expeditionary Force Command and Canadian Operational Support Command. CANCOM also maintains a close relationship with its American counterpart, the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), and contributes to NORAD alongside with the 1 Canadian Air Division of the Canadian Forces Air Command. Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was the air force of Canada from 1924 until 1968. Canadian Air Force was reestablished as Royal Canadian Air Force in 2011. Prior to 1924, Canada's involvement with air defence consisted of Canadian airmen flying with the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service, with the short-lived Canadian Aviation Corps, and with a small two-squadron Canadian Air Force attached to the Royal Air Force in England during the First World War. In 1920 another Canadian Air Force was established in Canada that was concerned mostly with military flight training and civil operations. This Canadian Air Force was renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924 and continued its focus on civil aviation. The RCAF's focus changed to one of a military nature and it became an active participant in the Second World War and the Cold War. In 1968 the three branches of the Canadian military were merged into the Canadian Forces and the RCAF was disbanded. The modern Canadian air force has been known as Canadian Forces Air Command (AIRCOM) since 1975, but still refers to itself as the "Air Force" and maintains many of the traditions of the RCAF. In 2011 it was renamed back to Royal Canadian Air Force, as a measure of preserving Canadian military heritage. Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN, Marine royale canadienne in French) was the navy of Canada from 1911 to 1968. From May 4, 1910, to August 29, 1911, the navy was known as the Naval Service of Canada and operationally as Canadian Naval Forces. The RCN played a role in the First World War, contributed significantly to the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War, and was a part of NATO's force buildup during the Cold War. However 1960s politicians believed that unification of the services was more appropriate than single services remaining. Therefore in 1968 all three Canadian services were unified to form the Canadian Armed Forces (short form: Canadian Forces (CF)). In 2011 Canadian Naval Forces were reestablished as the Royal Canadian Navy, for the same reasons the old name was returned to Royal Canadian Air Force. Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) (French: Garde côtière canadienne - GCC) is the coast guard of Canada. It is a federal agency responsible for providing maritime search and rescue (SAR), aids to navigation, marine pollution response, marine radio, and icebreaking. Unlike some other coast guards, such as the United States Coast Guard, the CCG is a civilian organisation with no military or law enforcement responsibilities. The Canadian Coast Guard is headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario and is a Special Operating Agency within the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Canadian Forces Land Force Command (LFC) The Canadian Forces Land Force Command (LFC), often called the Canadian Army, is responsible for army operations within the Canadian Forces. The current size of Land Force Command is 19,500 regular soldiers and 16,000 reserve soldiers, for a total of around 35,500 soldiers. LFC maintains regular forces units at bases across Canada and is also responsible for the largest component of the Primary Reserve, the Army Reserve, which is often referred to informally by its historic name, the "militia". The Chief of the Land Staff is Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin. LFC is the descendant of the Canadian Army which was the name of Canada's land forces from 1940 until February 1, 1968. At the time of unification all army units were placed under Mobile Command (MC), later changed to Force Mobile Command (FMC) in 1975 when tactical air units were assigned to newly-created Air Command. The name was changed from FMC to Land Force Command in a 1997 reorganization of the Canadian Forces. Royal Canadian Infantry Corps (RCIC) The Royal Canadian Infantry Corps is the Corps to which all Canadian infantry regiments belong. This is also known as the "Infantry Branch". Originally formed as the Canadian Infantry Corps in 1942 to encompass all existing infantry regiments, including regiments of foot guards, in the Canadian Army. The corps was granted its "royal" designation in 1947 and was designated Royal Canadian Infantry Corps 30 April 1947 to be redesignated The Royal Canadian Infantry Corps 22 March 1948 and revert back to Royal Canadian Infantry Corps 18 April 1955. The crest of the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps consists of a circle, with a Kings Crown on top, superimposed on two rifles, with the text "Infantry Infanterie." There is a ribbon with the text "Ducimus" on the bottom. At the center of the circle is a stem with tree maple leaves. With integration of the Canadian Forces it became Infantry Branch, Canadian Forces 2 May 1969. Today, the administration and training and both the regular and reserve infantry that form part of Land Command is the responsibility of the Infantry School, which runs courses in all aspects of infantry operation, and is stationed at CFB Gagetown. Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC) The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC) is the armoured branch of service of the Canadian Forces Land Force Command (Canadian Army), including regular force and reserve regiments. The corps was formed on 13 August 1940 as the Canadian Armoured Corps with Major-General (then Colonel) F. F. Worthington as its first colonel-commandant, but claimed lineage from the Canadian Tank Corps of the First World War. The royal designation was added on 2 August 1945, after the European war ended. Canadian armoured regiments split their heritage between the cavalry, from which many armoured regiments were created, and the infantry beginning in 1936 with the creation of "infantry (tank)" regiments and continuing from 1940 when many infantry regiments mobilized armoured units for the Second World War and eventually transferred from the (Royal) Canadian Infantry Corps into the RCAC. In Canada, with the integration of the Canadian army into the Canadian Forces, the Armour Branch has continued to use the title Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery (RCA) The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery (Fr: le Régiment royal de l'Artillerie canadienne) is the artillery personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). Many of the units and batteries of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery are older than Canada itself. The first artillery company in Canada was formed in the province of Quebec in 1750. Volunteer Canadian artillery batteries existed before 1855 but their history is mostly unknown. Seven batteries of artillery were formed after the passage of the Militia Act of 1855 which allowed Canada to retain a paid military force of 5,000 men. One of the pre-1855 volunteer batteries formed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1793 was called the “Loyal Company of Artillery” and exists today as the 3rd Field Regiment, RCA. Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA) The Royal Canadian Horse Artillery is the name given to the regular field artillery units of the Canadian Army. RCHA units are the senior units of the Canadian land field force, with a history dating back to the birth of Canada as a nation. 'A' and 'B' Batteries of Garrison Artillery were formed as the first units of Canada's permanent military force in 1871 in Kingston and Quebec City respectively, with a third ('C' Battery) authorized in 1883 and formed in 1887 in Esquimalt. These bore the name of the Regiment of Canadian Artillery, with the Royal Canadian Artillery being formed as the militia element in 1895. In 1905, to distinguish between the regular force and militia, the regulars were given the title Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) (French: Commandement des Forces d'opérations spéciales du Canada; COMFOSCAN), is a command of the Canadian Forces. It is responsible for all special forces operations that are capable of responding to terrorism and threats to Canadians and Canadian interests around the world. CANSOFCOM is composed of: · Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2) - Dwyer Hill Training Centre, Ottawa · Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) - CFB Petawawa · 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS)- CFB Petawawa · Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) - CFB Kingston and Trenton · Task Force Arrowhead (2011) CANSOFCOM is capable of operating as an independent formation but its primary focus is to generate Special Operations Forces (SOF) elements to support Canada Command (Canada COM) and the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM). Integrating special operations forces in this manner increases their impact in operations, as well as the range of options available to the government in the deployment of the Canadian Forces. CANSOFCOM core tasks are as follows: to provide the Canadian Forces with a capacity to prevent and react to terrorism in all environments, to provide the CF with a capability to perform other missions as directed by the Government of Canada, such as direct action (DA), special reconnaissance (SR), defence diplomacy and military assistance (DDMA), as well as special humanitarian assistance (such as the evacuation of non-combatants) Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) (French: Deuxième Force opérationnelle interarmées) is an elite Special Operations Force of the Canadian Armed Forces primarily tasked with counter-terrorism operations. JTF2 together with the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR), 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS), and the Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) form the operational elements of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. Much of the information regarding Joint Task Force 2 is highly classified, and is not commented on by either the Government of Canada or the Department of National Defence on the unit’s capabilities, organization, and operational missions. Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) The Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) (French : Régiment d'opérations spéciales du Canada) is a battalion-sized, high-readiness special operations unit part of CANSOFCOM. CSOR is capable of conducting and enabling a broad range of missions, including Direct Action (DA), Defence Diplomacy and Military Assistance (DDMA), Special Reconnaissance (SR) and Domestic Counter Terrorism (Dom CT). CSOR personnel are intelligent, physically fit, and possess a host of skills that enable them to operate effectively in challenging environments. CSOR is internationally recognized for being an innovative, cutting-edge special operations force 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS) 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS) is a tactical helicopter unit that provides aviation support to Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. The squadron is based at CFB Petawawa, Ontario with a fleet of Bell CH-146 Griffon helicopters. 427 started as a bomber squadron formed at Croft, England on 7 November 1942 and spent its wartime entirely in England as a part of No. 6 Group RCAF, RAF Bomber Command. 427 flew Vickers Wellington Mk IIIs and Mk Xs from its first operational mission on 14 December 1942, a minelaying sortie to the Frisian Islands, until May of 1943 when it was relocated to Leeming, North Yorkshire. 1 February 2006 saw command of 427 transferred to Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, as it took on a full-time role of special operations aviation support. Shortly thereafter, it was renamed as, "427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (SOAS)." Unlike the 160th SOAR (US Army), there are no specialized standards (in the "Special Operations context") for any 427 SOAS members unlike the other units in CANSOFCOM - JTF 2, CSOR and CJIRU and entrance into 427 SOAS requires only "negotiations through Career Managers and losing units. Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) The Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit of the Canadian Forces was created "to provide timely and agile broad-based CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) support to the Government of Canada in order to prevent, control and mitigate CBRN threats to Canada, Canadians and Canadian interests." It is a sub-unit of the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Company, which in turn forms part of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. Subsequent to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the Chief Review Services Report on Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence of the same year, it became evident that the Canadian Forces needed to increase the breadth of its NBCD capabilities. The federal government, under then-Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, allotted $30 million in the December 2001 budget to enhance this capability and create the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Company (JNBCD Coy). In September 2007 the CJIRU was created as the rapid deployment response team of the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Company (JNBCD Coy) due to the company's vast operational capabilities, duties and responsibilities. Due to the requirement for rapid deployment of the unit, CJIRU is based alongside airlift assets at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario. The JNBCD Coy Headquarters is located at CFB Kingston, Ontario. Canadian Military Engineers (CME) The Canadian Military Engineers (CME) is the military engineer branch of the Canadian Forces. The mission of the Canadian Military Engineers is to contribute to the survival, mobility, and combat effectiveness of the Canadian Forces. Their roles are to conduct combat operations, support the Canadian Forces in war and peace, support national development, provide assistance to civil authorities, and support international aid programs. Military engineers’ responsibilities encompass the use of demolitions and land mines, the design, construction and maintenance of defensive works and fortifications, urban operations (hostile room entry), breaching obstacles, establishing/maintaining lines of communication, and bridging. They also provide water, power and other utilities, provide fire, aircraft crash and rescue services, hazardous material operations, and develop maps and other engineering intelligence. In addition, military engineers are experts in deception and concealment, as well as in the design and development of equipment necessary to carry out these operations. The official role of the Combat Engineer is to allow friendly troops to live, move and fight on the battlefield and deny that to the enemy. Canadian Forces Military Police The Canadian Forces Military Police provide military police services to the Canadian Forces. Canadian Military Police are unusual in that they are classified as Peace Officers in the Criminal Code of Canada, which gives them the same powers as civilian law enforcement personnel to enforce Acts of Parliament on DND property or in relation to DND property anywhere in the world. They have the power to arrest anyone who is subject to the Code of Service Discipline (CDS), regardless of position or rank under the National Defence Act. MPs have the power to arrest non-CDS bound civilians only in cases where a crime is committed on or in relation to DND property, or at the request of the Minister of Public Safety, Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada or Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Although MP jurisdiction is on military establishments across Canada and throughout the world, any civilian accessing these areas falls under MP jurisdiction and are dealt with in the same manner as any civilian policing agency. If in fact a crime is committed on or in relation to DND property, CFMP have the power to arrest and charge the offender, military or civilian, on or off DND property. It is important to note though that the purpose of the CFMP is not to replace the job of a civilian police officer, but rather to support the Canadian Forces through security and policing services. Communications and Electronics (C&E) The Communications and Electronics (C&E) Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). Major Wallace Bruce Matthews Carruthers (13 February 1863 - 21 October 1910) was the founder of the Canadian Signalling Corps, forerunner of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals and the Communications and Electronics Branch of the Canadian Forces. The Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics(CFSCEE) in Kingston, Ontario was founded in 1937. Initially, CFSCEE provided training in Communications and Electronics in Canadian Army and now in the Canadian Forces. The last "E" was dropped in recent times, and is now called CFSCE. CFSCE provides basic, intermediate and advanced training to military personnel in the field of Communications and Electronics Canadian Forces Medical Service (CFMS) The Canadian Forces Medical Service (CFMS) provides medical support for the Canadian Forces (CF) both at home and abroad. It is also a personnel branch of the CF. The CFMS along with the Canadian Forces Dental Service (CFDS) form the Canadian Forces Health Services Group (CF H Svcs Gp). The branch has its origins in the Dominion government's 1885 response to the North-West Rebellion, with the appointment of Canada's first Surgeon General, Doctor Darby Bergin of Cornwall, Ontario, and the mobilization of two field hospitals. It suffered significant budgetary cutbacks after the 1994 Broadbent Report following the end of the Cold War, with three of its six military hospitals being closed. More of the CFMS History can be found at the CF Health Services web site. Former Colonel in Chief was Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (mother of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II). The current Colonel in Chief is Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (daughter of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince Phillip) Canadian Forces Intelligence Branch The Intelligence (Int) Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF) that is concerned with providing relevant and correct information to enable commanders to make decisions. The Intelligence Branch of the Canadian Forces works in a variety of challenging positions, at home and abroad, meeting the needs of commanders and operational planners of the Canadian Forces at all levels and in all environments, be it on overseas missions like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Somalia, Rwanda, East Timor, and Afghanistan, or at home like the ice storms in Quebec, floods in Winnipeg, and fires in British Columbia. Army intelligence reservists, employed at 6 Intelligence Company (Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg), 2 Intelligence Company (Toronto) and 2 Intelligence Platoon (Ottawa), 4 Intelligence Company (platoons in Montreal and Quebec City), 3 Intelligence Company (Halifax, Nova Scotia), make a vital contribution to this effort while in garrison or deployed on overseas missions. Canadian Forces Logistics Branch The Logistics (Log) Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). When the Army, Royal Canadian Navy, and Royal Canadian Air Force were merged in 1968 to form the Canadian Forces, the administrative Corps of the Army were deactivated and merged with their Naval and Air Force counterparts to form the Canadian Forces' personnel branches. The Royal Canadian Army Service Corps transport and supply elements were combined with the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps to form the Logistics Branch The Royal Canadian Postal Corps, Royal Canadian Army Service Corps clerical trades, and Royal Canadian Army Pay Corps were merged to form the Administration Branch (later merged with the Logistics Branch). In April 2007, the CF Armed Forces Council decided to incorporate the Personnel Selection Branch into the Logistics branch. Canadian Forces Legal Branch The Legal Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). It primarily deals with the Canadian Forces' legal affairs. The Military Law Centre on the grounds of the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario which is staffed with nine military lawyers, oversees the education of officers and troops in legal matters ranging from the Forces' own code of conduct to the laws of war. It trains military lawyers and advises Ottawa on matters of policy and doctrine. The centre integrates legal education into the regular training that Forces members undergo and establishes its growing importance within the military hierarchy. Personnel Selection Branch The Personnel Selection Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). The Personnel Selection branch was created in the Canadian Army on 18 September 1941. Later on the Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy followed suit. Officers of the Personnel Selection (PSEL) branch provide behavioural science services to enable the Canadian Forces (CF) to effectively assess, acquire, integrate, and maintain personnel for operational and support roles. The primary tasks of a Personnel Selection Officer (PSO) require the application of professional behavioural science knowledge and procedures in the assessment of people and human factors that affect working relationships. Through interviews, psychological testing, and other sources of information, PSOs assess the suitability of individuals for military service and recommend subsequent assignment to an appropriate military occupation for training. They also assess and recommend the suitability of military personnel for special training or employment. In April 2007, the CF Armed Forces Council decided to incorporate the Personnel Selection Branch into the Logistics branch. Canadian Defence Academy (CDA) The Canadian Defence Academy is an organization located within the Canadian Forces created in 2000. The academy is situated within the Military Personnel Command. CDA is comprised several training institutes such as the Royal Military College of Canada and the Royal Military College Saint-Jean. Royal Canadian Regiment (The RCR) The Royal Canadian Regiment (The RCR) is an infantry regiment of the Canadian Forces. The regiment consists of four battalions, three in the Regular Force and one in the Primary Reserve (militia). The RCR is the senior infantry regiment in the Regular Force, but its 4th Battalion (formerly the London and Oxford Fusiliers) is ranked 11th in the order of precedence among infantry regiments in the Primary Reserve. The regiment's four battalions are stationed in Ontario and New Brunswick. With many of its soldiers drawn from Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces in recent decades, the regiment maintains a general connection as the "local" infantry regiment for eastern Canada. The RCR maintains a Regimental Headquarters (RHQ) in Petawawa, Ontario, which has no operational command role but handles regimental affairs outside the responsibility of the individual Battalions. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum is located within historic Wolseley Hall in London, Ontario. Wolseley Barracks in London has been continuously occupied by some element of the regiment since construction of Wolseley Hall was completed in 1888. At various times Wolseley Barracks has been the home of the 1st and 2nd Battalions, and remains the home of the 4th Battalion today. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI, generally referred to as Patricia's) is one of the three main infantry regiments of the Canadian Forces (CF). It is one of the most decorated regiments in Canada. The regiment is composed of four battalions including a primary reserve battalion, for a total of 2,000 soldiers. The PPCLI is the main lodger unit of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton in Alberta and CFB Shilo in Manitoba, and belongs to the Land Force Western Area; as such it is the "local" regular infantry regiment for much of western and Pacific Canada. The Loyal Edmonton Regiment is the reserve battalion of the regiment and carries the designation '4th Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry'. The regiment is not an operational structure, but rather a protocolary one. The four battalions are thus operational entities, under the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group for the Regular Force and the 41 Canadian Brigade Group for the Primary Reserve. Although the regiment carries the designation of 'Light Infantry', two of its battalions are mechanized infantry, and the unit has never been organized as a traditional light infantry regiment. The PPCLI was raised on the initiative of Captain Andrew Hamilton Gault in 1914, to participate in the Canadian war effort for the First World War. It was the first Canadian infantry unit to enter the theatre of operations, arriving in France on December 21, 1914. The regiment has also participated in the Second World War, the Korean War and the War in Afghanistan, as well as in numerous NATO operations and UN peacekeeping missions. The regiment has received 39 battle honours, two mentions of the Commander-in-Chief and the United States Presidential Unit Citation. Royal 22e Régiment The Royal 22e Régiment is an infantry regiment and the most famous francophone organization of the Canadian Forces. The regiment comprises three Regular Force battalions, two Primary Reserve battalions, and a band, making it the largest regiment in the Canadian Army. The ceremonial home of the regiment is La Citadelle in Quebec City, where the regimental museum is housed. The regiment is nicknamed the Van Doos, an anglicized mispronunciation of vingt-deux ("twenty-two" in French.) The regiment's regimental headquarters is located in Quebec City, with all three of its regular battalions stationed at various bases in the province of Quebec. The regiment serves as the "local" infantry regiment for Quebec. Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) is an armoured regiment of the Canadian Army. It is one of three armoured regiments in the Regular Force and forms part of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. The Royal Canadian Dragoons is the most senior cavalry regiment in Canada, having been formed on December 21, 1883, 3:03 pm, as the Cavalry School Corps, as a result of the Militia Act of 1883, which also created the Infantry School Corps (now The Royal Canadian Regiment). The Militia Act of 1883 emphasized the need for a fully trained army to defend Canada, as its defences had been pierced during the Fenian raids. In 1887 it was renamed the Royal School of Cavalry. In 1892 the regiment was renamed as the Canadian Dragoons and in 1893 it became The Royal Canadian Dragoons. It served in the North-West campaign of 1885, the Second Boer War, First World War, Second World War, past peacekeeping (such as Somalia, Korea, and Kosovo among others) and Afghanistan with distinction. The regiment currently serves as part of Land Force Central Area's 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group based at CFB Petawawa, Ontario, and is a dedicated reconnaissance regiment. It converted to this role in April 2003, and was equipped solely with Coyote light armoured reconnaissance vehicles. In late 2006 the regiment was once again equipped with the Leopard tank. In March 2007, a Tank Troop was stood up and prepared to deploy to Afghanistan with the Leopard 2A6M. C Squadron was reformed and stationed in CFB Gagetown with the promise of tank capability in 2012. Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH [RC]) Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH [RC]) is a regular armoured regiment of the Canadian Forces. Currently based in Edmonton, Alberta, the regiment is part of Land Force Western Area's 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. When deployed overseas, however, the regiment is placed in ad hoc formations that report directly to National Defence Headquarters and not to 1 CMBG. Members of the regiment are commonly called Strathconas or Strats as a short form. The regiment is currently composed of a regimental headquarters and five primary squadrons: A, B, C, Reconnaissance ('Recce') and Headquarters. In September 2006, B Squadron deployed to Afghanistan using the Leopard C2, the first NATO deployment of main battle tanks (MBTs) to Afghanistan. Currently, one Squadron is deployed as part of the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (1 PPCLI) Battle Group. Each year the squadron that distinguishes itself with the highest efficiency rating in the Regiment earns the title "Prince of Wales Squadron" for the year. The regiment has seven affiliated cadet corps in Alberta and British Columbia. The main vehicles operated by Lord Strathcona's Horse are the Leopard tank and the Coyote Reconnaissance Vehicle. Due to a change in Canadian army doctrine in the early 2000s away from heavy armour to more infantry-centred operations, Lord Strathcona's Horse was for several years the only regular armoured regiment to operate MBTs. This was until the 2006 announcement that the Royal Canadian Dragoons would be re-equipped with a squadron of Leopards. The regimental motto is Perseverance. 12th Armoured Regiment of Canada The 12e Régiment blindé du Canada (12th Armoured Regiment of Canada) is a Canadian Forces armoured regiment based in CFB Valcartier, on the outskirts of Quebec City. The regiment has both Regular Force and Primary Reserve components. The 12e Régiment blindé du Canada's abbreviation is 12e RBC. Both the regular and militia regiments serve mainly in the armoured reconnaissance role but a squadron of tanks is now being formed out of Valcartier. origins are in The Three Rivers Regiment, a militia (Reserve Force) regiment based in Trois-Rivières, a town halfway between Montreal and Quebec City. Originally formed in 1871 as the 178th provisional battalion of Infantry and after many name changes, became the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada in 1968. This was a new Regular Force regiment which was created in Valcartier, while a militia unit was left in Trois-Rivières under the name 12e Régiment blindé du Canada (Milice). The number in the regimental title commemorates The Three Rivers Regiment's order of battle during the Second World War: 12th Canadian Armoured Regiment (The Three Rivers Regiment). The Canadian Army traditionally avoided having city or region names in the titles of its Regular Force regiments; this was likely the reason for the 1960s name change (additionally, the name of the unit used English spelling for a French city.) British Columbia Dragoons (BCD) The British Columbia Dragoons (BCD) is a Primary Reserve armoured reconnaissance regiment of the Canadian Forces. It is based in Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton, British Columbia. The British Columbia Dragoons are part of Land Force Western Area's 39 Canadian Brigade Group. The British Columbia Dragoons trace their origins to the formation of the Canadian Mounted Rifles, two independent squadrons of horse in Kamloops and Vernon in 1908. In 1910 two additional squadrons were raised and the regiment was renamed the British Columbia Horse. In 1912 the unit was renamed again as the 30th Regiment, British Columbia Horse. 1914 saw the formation of the Victoria Independent Squadron on Vancouver Island. 1st Hussars The 1st Hussars is an armoured Primary Reserve regiment of the Canadian Forces, currently based in London, Ontario and Sarnia, Ontario. The 1st Hussars traces its roots to the formation of the St. Thomas Troop of Volunteer Militia Cavalry in March 1856 and the First Troop of Volunteer Militia Cavalry of London in July of the same year. In 1863, these units were redesignated the St. Thomas Troop of Cavalry and the London Troop of Cavalry, respectively. Both troops were put on active duty in southwestern Ontario in response to the Fenian raid of 1866, but neither had contact with the invading forces. Despite "1st" in the title, the regiment is not the most senior armoured unit. With the militia reorganization of 1872, the senior or only cavalry regiment within a Militia District adopted the numerical designation of that district. Southwestern Ontario comprised Military District No. 1, hence the original designation as the 1st Regiment of Cavalry. The unit was renamed 1st Hussars in 1892 and because a British mounted unit numbered "1" never existed, it was unnecessary to add a 'Canada' or 'Canadian' modifier. Following the Second World War, because of wartime and earlier conversion to armour of some more senior infantry regiments, the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps decided that seniority would be determined by date of birth, regardless of the Corps in which the unit was raised. Regular Force regiments take precedence, and seniority among themselves by date of birth. 1st Hussars is placed seventh in the order of seniority of militia armoured regiments. The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) (RCAC) is a Primary Reserve armoured reconnaissance (recce) regiment of the Canadian Forces; the regiment is subordinate to 39 Canadian Brigade Group of Land Force Western Area. Established in 1883, it is the oldest military unit in Vancouver, British Columbia. It parades at the Beatty Street Drill Hall at the corner of Dunsmuir and Beatty in Downtown Vancouver. The regiment has been variously designated as garrison artillery, rifles, infantry, and armoured, but has been reconnaissance since 1965. It has received forty battle honours in its history, and has been a formation of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps since 1942. On 1 June 1866, the Seymour Artillery Company was formed at New Westminster, British Columbia in preparation for Fenian raids. Irish nationalists had landed in San Francisco and were attempting to sail north to launch an attack on the British Empire. Many of the recruits had been members of the Royal Engineers detachment that established New Westminster as the capital of the new colony and built roads and surveyed the area under Captain Richard Moody. That detachment was disbanded in 1863, but most chose to stay and settle in the area, and subsequently enlisted when the call was made. The Fenian raid on BC never happened, but the nucleus of the British Columbia Regiment was in place. Fort Garry Horse The Fort Garry Horse is a Canadian Army Reserve Armoured Regiment based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is currently part of Land Force Western Area's 38 Canadian Brigade Group. The regiment was formed in 1912, as the 34th Regiment of Cavalry. In 1913 it was renamed 34th Fort Garry Horse. In 1914, a new armory was specially built on Maryland Street in Winnipeg. In the First World War, volunteers from the regiment helped form the 6th Battalion, CEF, later Canadian Cavalry Depot, then later The Fort Garry Horse for active service in France. In 1949 the regiment was renamed The Fort Garry Horse (10th Armoured Regiment). In 1958 a Regular Force component, 1st Fort Garry Horse was formed the Militia was titled 2nd Fort Garry Horse. The titles were changed shortly afterward to The Fort Garry Horse and The Fort Garry Horse (M). In 1970 the Regular Force component was disbanded and the Militia regiment retained the title The Fort Garry Horse. In 2003, the regiment began hosting personnel to help create a new unit of the Canadian Military Engineers. It is planned that these personnel will eventually form 31 Field Engineer Squadron. The engineers in this unit have the distinction of being the only reservists in Canada to wear the black beret of the Armoured Corps with the cap badge of the Canadian Military Engineers.

The United States Army is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military responsible for land-based military operations. The primary mission of the Army is to "provide necessary forces and capabilities ... in support of the National Security and Defense Strategies. Background: The traditional seal used during and since the Revolution was redesignated as the Seal of the Department of the Army by the National Security Act of 1947. The Department of the Army seal is authorized by Section 3011, Title 10, United States Code. Description: In the center is a Roman cuirass below a vertical unsheathed sword, point up, the pommel resting on the neck opening of the cuirass and a Phrygian cap supported on the sword point, all between on the right an esponton and on the left a musket with fixed bayonet crossed in saltire behind the cuirass and passing under the sword guard. To the right of the cuirass and esponton is a flag of unidentified designs with cords and tassels, on a flagstaff with spearhead, above a cannon barrel, the muzzle end slanting upward behind the cuirass, in front of the drum, with two drumsticks and the fly end of the flag draped over the drumhead; below, but partly in front of the cannon barrel, is a pile of three cannon balls. To the left of the cuirass and musket is a national color of the Revolutionary War period, with cords and tassels, on a flagstaff with spearhead, similarly arranged above a mortar on a carriage, the mortar facing inward and in front of the lower portion of the color and obscuring the lower part of it; below the mortar are two bomb shells placed side by side. Centered above the Phrygian cap is a rattlesnake holding in its mouth a scroll inscribed "This We’ll Defend." Symbolism: The central element, the Roman cuirass, is a symbol of strength and defense. The sword, esponton (a type of half-pike formerly used by subordinate officers), musket, bayonet, cannon, cannon balls, mortar, and mortar bombs are representative of Army implements. The drum and drumsticks are symbols of public notification of the Army’s purpose and intent to serve the Nation and its people. The Phrygian cap (often called the Cap of Liberty) supported on the point of an unsheathed sword and the motto "This We’ll Defend" on a scroll held by the rattlesnake is a symbol depicted on some American colonial flags and signifies the Army’s constant readiness to defend and preserve the United States. Information Provided by The Institute of Heraldry About the C.7 “US Army Seal” design: The design has been recreated in vector form in Adobe Illustrator CS4, and after that, it has been digitally enhanced using my unique multi-layered process in Adobe Photoshop CS4. Usually it takes anywhere from 1 to 3 days to complete a design of such complexity. Update [July 19th, 2011]: The United States Army Seal story didn't end here. Almost a year after my first edition of the design, I was flexing muscles of my Adobe Photoshop CS5, and managed to come with a new "bronze" edition of the seal, which I am happy to present here, in the original post. As always, the above artworks are available via my “Military Insignia” galleries from FineArt America and RedBubble. You can just follow the links in the article to get to the corresponding galleries. To active duty or reserve military personnel, veterans and their family members: I grant explicit permission to download the above images to be used for non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families, as well as for non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit website design, training materials and presentations.

[Edited on Sept. 24, 2014] This collection of US Navy SEAL insignia was in the works for quite some time, as a part of my “Military I...

Military Insignia 3D’s British expansion continues. A logical conclusion to the Phase # 1 (Service Branches of the British Armed Forces) after I recreated emblems of Her Majesty's Armed Forces and the Royal Air Force, would be to round it up with the emblems/badges of the British Army and the Royal Navy (RN). While I had no problem with the fairly well-known British Army emblem, I have managed to hit a major roadblock with the RN emblem/badge. This would probably be a good time to briefly explain how my Military Insignia 3D project works. In most cases, I already have a general idea of what would be my next phase of the project. Let’s say, for example, I decided to work on the insignia of U.S. Special Forces (SF). My next step would be the “research and development” stage, where I do just that – research and develop. I learn as much as I can about SF, their history, their structure, and their insignia. After the framework of the SF project is built, which would simply be a bunch of empty folders, divided into multiple categories and sub-categories, I move on to the stage # 2, where I would research and choose actual images of the insignia, which later would be used as reference materials for my designs. Consequently, I would fill up the empty folders as I went. Then I would move to the next stage, which would be preparing vector base with Illustrator CS5. After the vectors are ready, I would move to the next and final creative stage – turning the vectors into final 3D images, displayed all over this very blog. This stage would normally involve hours upon hours of Photoshop CS5 magic, powered by my very own M-LETT 3D method, (which happens to be my very own acronym for “Multi-Layer Enhancement & Texturizing Technique”). So, getting back to the British Royal Navy emblem/badge, as you already know, I have hit the wall at the very beginning of my Research and Development stage. What IS an official RN badge or emblem? There are multiple known hat, blazer and lapel badges, pins and emblems, but none of them is THE badge. Of course, there is a blue corporate-looking RN logo, and one of the oldest RN symbols – The Naval Crown, but what about the RN Badge? After getting an absolute zero of help from British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum, and spending hours researching the topic, I was back to square one. It very much appeared as the oldest navy of the Commonwealth, in fact, did not have an official emblem, while the rest of the younger and much smaller navies did. Help has arrived, (as it usually does, whenever it comes to Commonwealth insignia), from my good friend and insignia expert, creator and owner of the “Empire To Commonwealth” portal, Rev. B. Anthony Hathaway-Taylor. He has suggested, that the Naval Crown should indeed be considered an official (and the oldest) emblem of the British Royal Navy. After what I have learned at that point, I had to agree. Even though this is not your traditional “anchor + crown” combination, it was used by the RN, as well as most of the Commonwealth navies, mounted atop the shields of coats of arms of the naval vessels and other naval units. The Naval Crown (Latin: corona navalis), was a gold crown awarded to the first man who boarded an enemy ship during a naval engagement. In style, the crown was made of gold and surmounted with the prows of ships. With this major decision out of the way, I have opted to combine two of the oldest images representing Royal Navy – a naval crown and a naval anchor, to create a Royal Navy emblem of my own. This, of course, was done in the past, so I cannot claim this as my original idea. However, the implementation was mine. You be the judge. Royal Navy (RN) The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is therefore known as the Senior Service. From the 17th century until well into the 20th century it was the most powerful navy in the world, playing a key part in establishing the British Empire as the dominant world power. After World War II the Royal Navy was replaced by the United States Navy as the world's foremost naval power. During the Cold War it was transformed into a primarily anti-submarine force, hunting for Soviet submarines, mostly active in the GIUK gap. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, its role for the 21st century has returned to focus on global expeditionary operations. The Royal Navy is a blue-water navy and its ability to project power globally is considered second only to the U.S. Navy. As a prominent blue-water navy it operates an array of technologically sophisticated ships including an aircraft carrier, a helicopter carrier, landing platform docks, ballistic missile submarines, nuclear fleet submarines, guided missile destroyers, frigates, mine counter-measures and patrol vessels. The Royal Navy maintains the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons via its ballistic missile submarines. The Royal Navy is a constituent component of the Naval Service, which also comprises the Royal Marines, Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Marines Reserve. This badge is not official RN badge, bur rather an homage, created by me. British Army The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdoms of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England and Scotland and was administered by the War Office from London. It has been managed by the Ministry of Defence since 1964. The full-time element of the British Army has also been referred to as the Regular Army since the creation of the reservist Territorial Force in 1908. The British Army is deployed in many of the world's war zones as part of both Expeditionary Forces and in United Nations Peacekeeping forces. All members of the Army swear (or affirm) allegiance to the monarch as commander-in-chief. However the Bill of Rights of 1689 requires Parliamentary consent for the Crown to maintain a standing army in peacetime. Parliament therefore annually approves the continued existence of the Army. In contrast to the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force, the British Army does not include Royal in its title. Many of the Army's constituent Regiments and Corps have been granted the "Royal" prefix and have members of the Royal Family occupying senior positions within some regiments. The professional head of the British Army is the Chief of the General Staff. As always, the above insignia is available on a number high quality products via my “Military Insignia” galleries exclusively from Zazzle.com. Simply follow the links in the article to navigate to the corresponding galleries. I would also make my insignia designs available free of charge to any military units and personnel, to be used for the purpose of non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families. Additionally, I would make my designs available free of charge to any military branches, formations and units for non-commercial internal duty-related purposes, such as web design, training materials or presentations, as I have done in the past on a number of occasions. The above information provided in part by Empire to Commonwealth portal, Wikipedia and Royal Navy website.

Events of the last few days prompted me to interrupt the flow of my "Military Insignia" project. As soon as the news hit the air - Osama bin Laden, the notorious Al-Qaeda leader, has been killed – I figured that this would be good time to expand my “Special Forces” collection, focusing on the insignias of those commands, units and agencies, which allegedly participated in the operation. Of course, we will never know for sure how it all went down and who exactly carried it out and contributed to the operation – such details will remain heavily classified. However, here is the official version of the event. On May 1/2 2011, the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG), also known as DEVGRU or SEAL Team Six (ST6) , was involved in the operation codenamed "Geronimo", during which Osama bin Laden, leader of Al Qaeda and America's most wanted terrorist, was shot and killed at his compound in the affluent suburb of Abottabad, Pakistan. Modified MH-60 helicopters from the U.S. Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, carried Navy SEALs and were supported by other personnel with tactical signals, intelligence collectors, and navigators using highly classified hyperspectral imagers from Ghazi Air Base in Pakistan.The operation was carried out with support of other Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) units, the Technical Application Programs Office and the Aviation Technology Evaluation Group. The raid also involved close collaboration with the CIA, the National Security Agency (NSA), and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. DEVGRU, or SEAL Team Six, are the U.S. Navy's principal special operations force and is a part of the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) as well as the maritime component of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and United States Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). This was quite a few insignia to cover. Thankfully, some of them were created earlier, as part of my “Special Forces” stretch of the project, which I covered in detail in one of my earlier posts here. So, without further ado, meet the major players of the operation “Geronimo”, at least according to the official version of the event. United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) USSOCOM is the Unified Combatant Command charged with overseeing the various Special Operations Commands (SOC or SOCOM) of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps of the United States armed forces. The command is part of the Department of Defense. USSOCOM is headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. USSOCOM conducts several covert and clandestine missions, such as unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, psychological operations, Civil Affairs, direct action, counter-terrorism and War on Drugs operations. Each branch has a Special Operations Command that is unique and capable of running its own operations, but when the different Special Operations Forces need to work together for an operation, USSOCOM becomes the joint component command of the operation, instead of a SOC of a specific branch. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is a civilian intelligence agency of the United States government, reporting to the Director of National Intelligence, responsible for providing national security intelligence assessment to senior United States policymakers. The CIA also engages in covert activities at the request of the President of the United States. It is the successor of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) formed during World War II to coordinate espionage activities against the Axis Powers for the branches of the United States Armed Forces. The primary function of the CIA is to collect information about foreign governments, corporations, and individuals, and to advise public policymakers. The agency conducts covert operations and paramilitary actions, and exerts foreign political influence through its Special Activities Division. Sometimes, in government and military circles the CIA is indirectly referred to as Other Government Agencies (OGA), particularly when its operations in a particular area are an open secret. Other terms include The Company, Langley and The Agency. National Security Agency (NSA) The National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) is a cryptologic intelligence agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for the collection and analysis of foreign communications and foreign signals intelligence, as well as protecting U.S. government communications and information systems, which involves cryptanalysis and cryptography. The NSA is directed by at least a lieutenant general or vice admiral. NSA is a key component of the U.S. Intelligence Community, which is headed by the Director of National Intelligence. The Central Security Service is a co-located agency created to coordinate intelligence activities and co-operation between NSA and other U.S. military cryptanalysis agencies. The Director of the NSA is also the Commander of the Joint Functional Component Command – Network Warfare. NSA's work is limited to communications intelligence; it does not perform field or human intelligence activities. Central Security Service (CSS) The Central Security Service (CSS) is an agency of the United States Department of Defense, established in 1972 by a Presidential Directive to promote full partnership between the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Service Cryptologic Elements (SCE) of the United States Armed Forces. The blue background of the CSS emblem represents "fidelity" and "steadfastness", with the symbols for the cryptologic service elements provided shown clockwise from top right as follows: Army Intelligence and Security Command, United States Marine Corps, Naval Security Group, United States Coast Guard and Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency with the symbol of the National Security Agency in the center. NSA/CSS was initially conceived as a separate "fourth service" beside the three U.S. armed services. The latter three resisted this idea, and therefore the CSS was founded as an inter-service organization. The day-to-day work of the CSS is to capture enemy signals (radar, telemetry, radio/satellite communications) using the means of the involved service. For example, the Navy has special submarines for tapping undersea cables; the Air Force operates aircraft with sophisticated antennas and processing gear to listen to enemy radar and radio; and on the ground, the Army operates similar eavesdropping equipment. Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) is a component command of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and is charged to study special operations requirements and techniques to ensure interoperability and equipment standardization, plan and conduct special operations exercises and training, and develop Joint Special Operations Tactics. It was established in 1980 on recommendation of Col. Charlie Beckwith, in the aftermath of the failure of Operation Eagle Claw. It is located at Pope Army Air Field and Fort Bragg in North Carolina, USA. The Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) also commands and controls the Special Mission Units (SMU) of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). These units perform highly classified activities. So far, only three SMUs have been publicly disclosed: The Army's 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta, the Navy's Naval Special Warfare Development Group, and the Air Force's 24th Special Tactics Squadron. The Intelligence Support Activity is also under JSOC. United States Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) The United States Naval Special Warfare Command (NAVSPECWARCOM, NAVSOC or NSWC) was commissioned on 16 April 1987, at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in San Diego, California. As the Naval component to the United States Special Operations Command, headquartered at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida, Naval Special Warfare Command provides vision, leadership, doctrinal guidance, resources and oversight to ensure component maritime special operations forces are ready to meet the operational requirements of combatant commanders. NSW is committed to combating the global terrorist threats. In addition to being experts in special reconnaissance and direct action missions, the skill sets needed to combat terrorism; NSW is postured to fight a dispersed enemy on their turf. NSW forces can operate from forward-deployed Navy ships, submarines and aviation mobility platforms as well as overseas bases and its own overseas units. United States Navy SEALs The United States Navy SEa, Air and Land (SEAL) Teams, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy's principal special operations force and are part of the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) as well as the maritime component of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The unit's acronym ("SEAL") is derived from their capacity to operate at sea, in the air, and on land – but it is their ability to work underwater that separates SEALs from most other military units in the world. The experience gained from operating in the ocean and freshwater battlefields has shaped their identity and, as a result, they are regarded as being amongst the most highly skilled and trained amphibious units in the world. Navy SEALs are trained and have been deployed in a wide variety of missions, including direct action and special reconnaissance operations, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, and other missions. Without exception, all SEALs are male members of either the United States Navy or the United States Marine Corps. United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) The United States Navy SEALs Team Six, also known as United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) or DEVGRU, is one of the United States' two secretive Tier One counter-terrorism and Special Mission Units (SMUs); the other such group is 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force). Most recently DEVGRU's designation had been changed by the Defense Department to a new name. However, the new name is currently classified. When SEAL Team Six was first created it was devoted exclusively to counter-terrorism with a worldwide maritime responsibility; its objectives typically included targets such as ships, oil rigs, naval bases, or other civilian or military bases that were accessible from the sea or inland waterways. DEVGRU's full mission is classified but is thought to include preemptive, pro-active counterterrorist operations, counter-proliferation (efforts to prevent the spread of both conventional weapons and weapons of mass destruction), as well as assassination or recovery of high-value targets (HVTs) from unfriendly nations. DEVGRU is one of only a handful of U.S. special mission units authorized to use preemptive actions against terrorists and their facilities. 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) is a special operations unit of the United States Army that provides helicopter aviation support for general purpose forces and Special Operations Forces. Its missions have included attack, assault, and reconnaissance, and are usually conducted at night, at high speeds, low altitudes, and on short notice. The 160th SOAR is headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The 160th SOAR (A) are also known as the Night Stalkers and their motto is Night Stalkers Don't Quit. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is an agency of the United States Government with the primary mission of collection, analysis, and distribution of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) in support of national security. NGA was formerly known as the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) and is part of the Department of Defense (DoD). In addition, NGA is a key component of the United States Intelligence Community. NGA's headquarters are located in Bethesda, Maryland and operates major facilities in the Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and St. Louis, Missouri areas as well as support and liaison offices worldwide. In 2011 NGA expects to consolidate many of its regional activities as part of the BRAC in a new campus near Ft. Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia, which will become the third-largest government building in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Its budget and number of employees are classified. The NGA was credited by White House and military officials with providing critical information in support of Operation Geronimo on May 2, 2011. To active duty or reserve military personnel, veterans and their family members: I grant an explicit permission to download the above images to be used for non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families, as well as for non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit website design, training materials and presentations. Information provided in part by NationalJournal.com, POLITICO.com, The Institute of Heraldry, Wikipedia, and particular unit’s websites.

[Edited on Sept. 24, 2014] This collection of US Navy SEAL insignia was in the works for quite some time, as a part of my “Military Insignia 3D” project. One of the first SEAL patches was the original SEAL Team Six patch, which I created in the wake of successful “Operation Neptune Spear”, a well-known kill-or-capture mission with Osama bin Laden as a main target. The first version of the patch can be seen here. Since then I have substantially improved my techniques, most notably – creating cloth patches with simulated fabric textures. So, when the time came for my “Navy SEAL Teams” collection, I have created a new version of ST-6 patch, which can be seen below. Here you will also find a re-make of my Navy SEAL badge, its full-gold version, to be exact, as well as latest versions of NSWC and DEVGRU emblems. While working on this particular collection, I decided to focus of the early original versions of the SEAL Team patches, which also happen to be the most renowned ones. At the same time, I have another collection in the works, which will showcase a number of lesser-known and obscure SEAL Team patches. Stay tuned. In the meantime, the “Navy SEAL Teams” collection is finally complete, and readers of this blog will be the first ones to see it in its entirety. Stay tuned for my next project - Naval Special Warfare Groups insignia collection, as well as less know SEAL Team patches from “Military Insignia 3D”… The United States Navy SEa, Air and Land (SEAL) Teams, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy's principal special operations force and is a part of the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) as well as the maritime component of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Navy SEALs can trace their roots to the Second World War. The United States Navy recognized the need for the covert reconnaissance of landing beaches and coastal defenses. As a result, the Amphibious Scout and Raider School was established in 1942 at Fort Pierce, Florida. The unit's acronym ("SEAL") is derived from their capacity to operate at sea, in the air, and on land – but it is their ability to work underwater that separates SEALs from most other military units in the world. The experience gained from operating in the ocean and freshwater battlefields has shaped their identity and, as a result, they are regarded as being amongst the most highly skilled and trained amphibious units in the world. Navy SEALs are trained and have been deployed in a wide variety of missions, including direct action and special reconnaissance operations, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, and other missions. Without exception, all SEALs are male members of either the United States Navy or the United States Marine Corps. The CIA's highly secretive Special Activities Division (SAD) and more specifically its elite Special Operations Group (SOG) often recruit operators from the SEAL Teams. Joint Navy SEALs and CIA operations go back to the famed MACV-SOG during the Vietnam War. This cooperation still exists today and is seen in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in the finding and killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. SEAL training is extremely rigorous, having a reputation as some of the toughest anywhere in the world. The dropout rate for BUDs classes are sometimes over 90 percent. The average Navy SEAL spends over a year in a series of formal training environments before being awarded the Special Warfare Operator Naval Rating and the Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) 5326 Combatant Swimmer (SEAL) or, in the case of commissioned naval officers, the designation Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) Officer. SEAL Teams are organized into two groups: Naval Special Warfare Group One (West Coast), and Naval Special Warfare Group Two (East Coast), which come under the command of Naval Special Warfare Command, stationed at NAB Coronado, California. Currently, there are nine confirmed Navy SEAL Teams. The key word here is "confirmed", because there is a number of teams, existence and names of which is a closely guarded secret. The original SEAL Teams in the Vietnam War were separated between West Coast (Team ONE) and East Coast (Team TWO) SEALs. The current SEAL Team deployments include Teams 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10. Team 6 is no longer identified by this name. The Teams deploy as Naval Special Warfare Squadrons or Special Operations Task Forces and can deploy anywhere in the world. Squadrons will normally be deployed and fall under a Joint Task Force (JTF) or a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) as a Special Operations Task Force (SOTF). Each SEAL Team is commanded by a Navy Commander (O-5), and has a number of operational SEAL platoons and a headquarters element. A SEAL Team has a Staff Headquarters element and three 40-man Troops. Each Troop consist of a Headquarters element consisting of a Troop Commander, typically a Lieutenant Commander (O-4), a Troop Senior Enlisted (E-8), a Targeting/Operations Officer (O-2/3) and a Targeting/Operations Leading/Chief Petty Officer (E-6/7). Under the HQ element are two SEAL platoons of 16–20 men (two officers, 14–16 enlisted SEALs, and sometimes two enlisted EOD Operators); a company-sized Combat Service Support (CSS) and/or Combat Support (CS) consisting of staff N-codes (the Army and Marine Corps use S-codes); N1 Administrative support, N2 Intelligence, N3 Operations, N4 Logistics, N5 Plans and Targeting, N6 Communications, N7 Training, and N8 Air/Medical. Each Troop can be easily task organized into four squads of eight 4–5 man fire teams for operational purposes. The size of each SEAL “Team” with Troops and support staff is approximately 300 personnel. The typical SEAL platoon has an OIC (Officer in Charge, usually a Lieutenant (O-3), an AOIC (Assistant Officer in Charge, usually a Lieutenant (junior grade), O-2), a platoon chief (E-7), an Operations NCO/LPO (Leading Petty Officer, E-6) and other operators E-4 to E-6. The core leadership in the Troop and Platoon are the Commander/OIC and the Senior Enlisted NCO (Senior Chief/Chief). Troop core skills consist of: Sniper, Breacher, Communicator, Maritime/Engineering, Close Air Support, Corpsman, Point-man/Navigator, Primary Driver/Navigator (Rural/Urban/Protective Security), Heavy Weapons Operator, Sensitive Site Exploitation, Air Operations Master, Lead Climber, Lead Diver/Navigator, Interrogator, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Technical Surveillance, and Advanced Special Operations. Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, a naval base in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is home to SEAL Teams 2, 4, 8, and 10. Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, a naval base in Coronado, California, is home to SEAL Teams 1, 3, 5, and 7. There is also a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) unit, SDVT-1, located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. SDVT-2 was based in Virginia; it was disestablished and merged into SDVT-1. SDV Teams are SEAL teams with an added underwater delivery capability. An SDV platoon consists of 12–15 SEALs. Naval Special Warfare Group ONE (NSWG-1) Naval Special Warfare Group ONE is located at NAB Coronado, CA. Naval Special Warfare Groups (NSWG) are echelon II Captain (O6) major commands established by NAVSPECWARCOM to equip, support, and provide command and control elements and trained and ready SEAL and SDV platoons and forces to the geographic CINCs. NSW Groups ONE and TWO are organized into: • Three SEAL Teams, comprised of eight 16-man platoons, which conduct reconnaissance, DA, UW, FID, and other operations in maritime or riverine environments; • One SDV Team which operates and maintains submersible systems that deliver and recover SEALs in hostile areas and conduct reconnaissance and DA missions; and • NSW Units, which are small command and control elements located outside the continental United States, support other NSW forces assigned to theater SOCs or components of naval task forces. Naval Special Warfare Group ONE (NSWG 1) in Coronado, California, is one of the six major operational components of the Naval Special Warfare Command. It is commanded by a Navy Captain (O-6). NSWG 1 has under its operational and administrative control, SEAL Team ONE, SEAL Team THREE, SEAL Team FIVE, and SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE. Administrative control of NSWU-1 AND NSWU-3 is with Naval Special Warfare Group ONE. The group deploys Naval Special Warfare forces worldwide to meet the training, exercise, contingency, and wartime requirements of the theater Commanders. Naval Special Warfare Group ONE is capable of task-organizing to support worldwide commitments as a deployed Naval Special Warfare Task Group (NSWTG), as they did during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. NSWG1 geographically concentrates on the Pacific and Central Commands areas of responsibility. • NSW Unit ONE (NSWU-1) • NSW Unit THREE (NSWU-3) • SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE (SDVT-1) • SEAL Team ONE (ST-1) • SEAL Team THREE (ST-3) • SEAL Team FIVE (ST-5) • Mobile Communications Team (MCT) • Logistics & Support Unit Naval Special Warfare Group TWO (NSWG-2) Naval Special Warfare Group TWO is located at NAB Little Creek, VA. Naval Special Warfare Groups (NSWG) are echelon II Captain (O6) major commands established by NAVSPECWARCOM to equip, support, and provide command and control elements and trained and ready SEAL and SDV platoons and forces to the geographic CINCs. NSW Groups ONE and TWO are organized into: • Three SEAL Teams, comprised of eight 16-man platoons, which conduct reconnaissance, DA, UW, FID, and other operations in maritime or riverine environments; • One SDV Team which operates and maintains submersible systems that deliver and recover SEALs in hostile areas and conduct reconnaissance and DA missions; and • NSW Units, which are small command and control elements located outside the continental United States, support other NSW forces assigned to theater SOCs or components of naval task forces. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO (NSWG-2), located in Little Creek, VA, is the one of the six major operational components of the Naval Special Warfare Command. NSWG-2 is commanded by a Navy Captain (O-6). NSWG-2 has under its operational and administrative control, SEAL Team TWO, SEAL Team FOUR, SEAL Team EIGHT, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team TWO, Naval Special Warfare Unit FOUR and Naval Special Warfare Unit TEN. Administrative control of Naval Special Warfare Unit TWO and Naval Special Warfare Unit EIGHT is with Naval Special Warfare Group TWO. The group deploys Naval Special Warfare forces worldwide to meet training, exercise, contingency, and wartime requirements of the theater Commanders. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO is capable of task organizing to support worldwide commitments as a deployed Naval Special Warfare Task Group, NSWTG, as they did during Operation JUST CAUSE. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO geographically concentrates on the Atlantic, Europe and Southern Command areas of responsibility. Subordinate Units: • NSW Unit TWO (NSWU-2) • NSW Unit FOUR (NSWU-4) • NSW Unit TEN (NSWU-10) • RM Poole • SEAL Team TWO (ST-2) • SEAL Team FOUR (ST-4) • SEAL Team EIGHT (ST-8) • Logistics & Support Unit Naval Special Warfare Group THREE (NSWG-3) Naval Special Warfare Group 3 (NSWG-3), based at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in California, is one of six constituent formations of the United States Naval Special Warfare Command. Until 2008, NSWG-3 was composed of two SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams: SDVT-1 in Pearl Harbor and SDVT-2 in Little Creek. In 2008, SDVT-2 was disestablished and merged into SDVT-1, which is now headquartered in San Diego and operates detachments in Pearl Harbor and Little Creek. SDV Teams are SEAL teams with an added underwater delivery capability. An SDV platoon consists of 12-15 SEALs. SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1) is commanded by a Navy Commander (O-5). The table of equipment for the unit includes three operational SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDV) and a Dry Deck Shelter (DDS). The normal table of organization includes three task units and a headquarters element. Each SDV Task Unit operates independently from a host submarine in the conduct of Naval Special Warfare missions. SDV Task Units typically deploy aboard host submarines, but may be deployed from shore or surface ships. SDVT-1 conducts operations throughout the Pacific Command's and Central Command's geographic areas of responsibility. SDVT-2 was disestablished on 8 August, 2008, and merged with SDVT-1. Formerly consisting of 28 navy divers in the command in addition to SEALs and SDV technicians, SDVT-2 was reportedly replaced by a small Dry Deck Shelter detachment. NSWG-3 is the organization tasked with developing expertise in deploying Naval Special Warfare assets from submarines. Current non-classified methods of deployment include the SEAL Delivery Vehicle, Dry Deck Shelter and Advanced SEAL Delivery System. Naval Special Warfare Group FOUR (NSWG-4) The Naval Special Warfare Group-4 (NSWG-4), was established Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW-21 Restructure Force changes. the Group is located at Little Creek, Naval Amphibious Base in Va. She is subordinate to US SOCOM and Naval Special Warfare Command. NSWG-4's subordinate units are Special Boat Teams 12, 20, and 22. NSWG-4 is tasked to organize, equip and train SWCC crews to assigned combatant craft at the Special Boat Teams to support Naval Special Warfare. The Group is responsible for the development and testing of Combatant craft and associated ordinance and equipment. NSWG-4 is also responsible for the development and evaluating operational doctrine, tactics and procedures. NSWG-4 monitors and certifies the Combat Readiness of assigned craft and SWCC. NSWG-4 Operational areas of responsibility are the World’s coastal and riverine areas. NSWG-4 is a Staff Organization, commanded by a senior SEAL Captain with many departments filled by SEALs and senior SWCC holding positions in Operations, Training and Command Master Chief. Special Boat Detachments (SBD) like its earlier historic namesakes MST-1,2, and 3 are small Spec Boat Dets. deployed from its parent Special Boat Team. The SBD will form up, train, and qualify on the combatant craft to be used. They will also receive all combat related skills, training and tactics for missions they will conduct overseas. Once the training cycle is completed the Special Boat Team training Department will conduct a Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE). NSWG-4 may also monitor the ORE. This is a realistic as possible Final Battle Problem that will test and grade all skills learned by the detachment. Once they passed the ORE the Special Boat Team and NSWG-4 will certify them ready for deployment. The SBD is then sent overseas on a Operational deployment to conduct Maritime Naval Special Warfare at the orders of the SOF In-Theater Commander The deployment is normally six months long. The SBD will normally support a SEAL Platoon, but with NSW-21 Force changes several SBDs will deploy together with a SEAL Squadron and its platoons of SEALs. The SBD normally support SEAL operations, but capable of conducting certain operations with other SOF units and Marine RECON. The Special Boat Detachments are capable of conducting certain Special Operation Missions designed for the Boats and SWCC. SBDs are on the tip of the spear when deployed, conducting, or on station to conduct "Real World" Operations. SEAL Team 1 SEAL Team 1 is based out of Coronado, California and consists of eight SEAL platoons in total. The Team is headed up by a Navy Commander and focuses its work and efforts in Southeast Asia. In short, Navy SEAL Team 1 deploys said platoons in Guam to the Naval Special Warfare Unit One. It also conducts trainings known as DFTs or Deployments and Training in both the Pacific and Central theaters. On January 1, 1962, Navy SEAL Team 1 was put into operation. The first recruits consisted of men who were already skilled in Underwater Demolition and were part of UDT Teams 11 – 12. These men were then put through a variety of other trainings throughout various military schools in order to gain the skills necessary in order to operate within jungle based terrain, which was needed at the time. Though the first SEALs who made up Navy SEAL Team 1 were used to dealing with near-shore missions, they had to learn to operate in various elements including inland travel, which is why they were put through more rigorous training than other branches of the military. Throughout the history of SEAL Team 1, two officers were commissioned to travel to Vietnam in order to determine if the newly formed Navy SEALs could be of service in the area. After this meeting two platoons from SEAL Team 1 were sent to Vietnam where they served a six month tour, wherein they were responsible for training the Vietnamese in general military operations. It is recorded in history that Navy SEAL Team 1 was ultimately responsible for an estimated one-thousand confirmed kills and nearly another 400 probable kills during this time in the Vietnam War. SEAL Team 2 Little Creek, Virginia serves as the home and headquarters for Navy SEAL Team 2, which like Navy SEAL Team 1 is led by a Navy Commander. Eight platoons in total make up the military force behind Navy SEAL Team 2. As far as Deployment and Training is concerned, Navy SEAL Team 2 focuses in Europe, wherein it sends platoons to Germany where they serve on Amphibious Ships which are deployed to fleets 2 and 6. It should be noted that Navy SEAL 2 is the only SEAL Team that has arctic warfare capabilities. This is one of the most unique traits of SEAL Team 2 that sets it apart from all others. When Navy SEAL 2 was first formed it was lead by LT. John F. Callahan and consisted almost solely of members from UDT-21. Additional statistics state that Navy SEAL 2 began with a total of ten officers and fifty general ranks. One notable Navy SEAL who served as part of Navy SEAL Team 2 is Harry Constance who joined in 1966. Within four years Harry Constance had completed 300 missions during combat in Vietnam and also captured nearly 200 enemy prisoners. Harry Constance is in fact considered to be one of the most well recognized SEALs from his time. All his endeavors resulted in 3 bronze star medals and after being wounded in battle a Purple Heart. Harry Constance was in fact idolized by the majority of men who served not only as part of Navy SEAL Team 2, but also all other Navy SEAL Teams that were in operation at the time. SEAL Team 3 Lead by a Navy Commander, Navy SEAL 3 located in Coronado, California consists of a total of eight platoons and also features a headquarters element. Navy SEAL Team 3 focuses its service in Southwest Asia. Additionally, Navy SEAL 3 deals with deployment of platoons to Guam via Naval Special Warfare Unit one. These platoons are deployed amongst the 3rd, 5th, and 7th fleets aboard various amphibious ships. The Central and Pacific Theaters are where the Deployments and Trainings (DFTs) of Navy SEAL Team 3 take place. Throughout history Navy SEAL 3 has served in numerous combat missions. In August of 1990 when Iraq took to invading Kuwait, Navy SEAL Team 3 was sent to take part in various missions in the area. Additionally, in more recent history SEAL Team 3 served in Afghanistan wherein they once again took part in various missions, where much of the time they used what are known as Desert Patrol Vehicles which have widely been associated solely with Navy SEAL Team 3. Navy SEAL Team 3 is part of Naval Special Warfare Group 1 along with Teams 1, 5, and 7. Navy SEAL Team 3 is also considered to be a West Coast Team. Navy SEAL Team 3 is a highly trained and motivated unit that provides numerous functions for the US Military. Much of what Navy SEAL Team 3 has accomplished, along with other Navy SEAL Teams is generally kept quiet. Though their successes are generally announced and have gone down in history we may never know everything that Navy SEAL 3 has accomplished for this great country. SEAL Team 4 10 operational platoons make up Navy SEAL Team 4 which is based out of Little Creek, Virginia. Navy SEAL Team 4 is headed by a Navy Commander and also features a headquarters element apart from the 10 platoons that make it whole. The focus of Navy SEAL 4 is concentrated in both South America and Central America. When it comes to basic deployment, Navy SEAL Team 4 deploys platoons to amphibious ships amongst the second fleet along Naval Special Warfare Unit Eight located in Panama. Additionally, Navy SEAL Team 4 conducts Deployments and Trainings (DFTs) in both the Central American theater and South American theater. One unique thing that sets Navy SEAL Team 4 apart from all other Navy SEAL Teams is the fact that it features a “visible standing language capability”; this language being Spanish. All other Navy SEAL Teams have a language focus of English. Navy SEAL Team 4 is part of Naval Special Warfare Group 2 along with Teams 2, 8, and 10. Navy SEAL Team 4 is also considered to be a East Coast Team. Throughout Navy SEAL history Navy SEAL Team 4 has taken part in various combat missions. In 1983 Navy SEAL Team 4 along with Navy SEAL Team 6 were sent to Grenada to provide protection for US citizens who were on the island. Team 4 was first given the “Green Light” to prepare the mission which was then given to Team 6. However, Team 4 provided much needed reconnaissance and assistance to the US Marine Corps who were focused on landing at a airfield. Team 4 is famous for their assistance and bravery in Grenada. SEAL Team 5 Under the direction of a Navy Commander Navy SEAL Team 5 consists of a headquarters element and 8 active platoons. The main focus of concentration of Navy SEAL Team 5 consists of geographic areas is the Northern Pacific. These platoons are deployed among the 3rd, 5th, and 7th fleets amongst Naval Special Warfare Unit One located in Guam. The Deployments and Trainings of Navy SEAL Team 5 take place in both the Pacific and Central Theaters. Navy SEAL Team 5 is part of Naval Special Warfare Group 1 along with Teams 1, 3, and 7. Navy SEAL Team 5 is also considered to be a West Coast Team. At various times throughout history Navy SEAL Team 5 has been called to action. Most notably in 1990, Navy SEAL Team 5 was called to service after Kuwait was invaded by Iraq. Members of SEAL Team 5 entered Kuwait along with various Navy Special Boat Units. These units made it into Kuwait before the borders were sealed off by the Iraqi’s. Throughout the siege in Kuwait Navy SEAL Team 5 executed various successful missions for the Unites States Military. No matter what Navy SEAL Team 5 is called to do they always complete their missions with the utmost professionalism and effectiveness needed by our country in times of need. They are a strong line of defense that has been heralded for their bravery and that will always be here to assist in the protection of the American people. Just as they have been there in the past, they will be here in the future to protect everything that America stands for. SEAL Team 6 The United States Navy SEALs Team Six is also known as United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) or DEVGRU. It is one of the United States' two secretive Tier One counter-terrorism and Special Mission Units (SMUs); the other such group is 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force). Most recently DEVGRU's designation had been changed by the Defense Department to a new name. However, the new name is currently classified. When SEAL Team Six was first created it was devoted exclusively to counter-terrorism with a worldwide maritime responsibility; its objectives typically included targets such as ships, oil rigs, naval bases, or other civilian or military bases that were accessible from the sea or inland waterways. DEVGRU's full mission is classified but is thought to include preemptive, pro-active counterterrorist operations, counter-proliferation (efforts to prevent the spread of both conventional weapons and weapons of mass destruction), as well as assassination or recovery of high-value targets (HVTs) from unfriendly nations. DEVGRU is one of only a handful of U.S. special mission units authorized to use preemptive actions against terrorists and their facilities. On May 1/2 2011, DEVGRU was involved in the operation “Neptune Spear “ that killed Osama bin Laden at his compound in the affluent suburb of Abottabad, Pakistan. The operation was carried out with support of other JSOC units, the Technical Application Programs Office and the Aviation Technology Evaluation Group. The raid also involved close collaboration with the CIA, the National Security Agency (NSA), and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. SEAL Team 7 SEAL Team 7 was commissioned March 2002 and is a subordinate command of Naval Special Warfare Group 1. Since its commissioning, SEAL Team 7 has made three combat deployments to both the Central and Pacific Command theatres of operation in support of the global war on terrorism. SEAL Team 7 recently returned from a six-month deployment in Iraq and the Pacific theater in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the global war on terrorism. Their actions helped increase security and stability in the Al Anbar province of Iraq and their contributions were significant in degrading the capability of terrorist organizations in Iraq and around the world. SEAL Team 8 SEAL Team 8 is based at Little Creek, VA. Commanded by a Navy Commander (O-5), it has eight operational platoons and a headquarters element. SEAL Team EIGHT’s geographic area of concentration is the Caribbean, Africa, and the Mediterranean. SEAL Team Eight deploys platoons with carrier battle groups (CVBGs) and amphibious ships in support of Second, Fifth, and Sixth Fleet commanders, and conducts DFTs throughout the Caribbean, Africa, and the Mediterranean littoral. SEAL Team 10 SEAL Team 10 is comprised of 6 platoons. Its headquarters is in Little Creek, Virginia. It is a part of the Naval Special Warfare Group 2, along with the SEAL Teams 2, 4, and 8. Most recently SEAL Team 10 was deployed to Afghanistan in support of operation “Enduring Freedom”. One of the most notable operations, which put SEAL Team 10 on the media radar, was operation “Red Wings”, during which SEAL Team 10 operators were heavily outnumbered by Afghan militants, and lost three of their members. Naval Special Warfare Unit Two (NSWU-2) Naval Special Warfare Unit Two (NSWU-2) is one of subordinate units of the SOCEUR (Special Operations Command Europe). Naval Special Warfare Unit TWO is based in Stuttgart, Germany. NSWU-2 provides operational support to forward deployed platoons and conducts theater planning for contingencies and exercises for Naval Special Warfare forces in the EUCOM theater of operations. NSWU-2 is capable of forming the nucleus of a Naval Special Warfare Task Unit. Naval Special WarfareUnit Ten (NSWU-10) NavalSpecial Warfare Unit TEN (NSWU-10) is based at Naval Station Rota, Spain. Commanded by a NSW Commander (O5), it has three operational SDV Task Units and a headquarters element. SDVT-2 conducts operations throughout the US Atlantic, Southern, and European commands. Its mission is to provide tactical type training opportunities for NSW forces deployed aboard Sixth Fleet ships during slack periods while on routine deployments, so NSW forces can maintain perishable skills. NSWU-10 is responsible for all NSW exercises conducted in Spain. NSWU-10 is under the operational and administrative command of Naval Special Warfare Group TWO. NSWU-10 conducts close coordination with Special Operations Command, Europe. SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams (SDVT-1; SDVT-2) [Edited on Dec. 8, 2012] The SEAL Delivery Vehicle or (SDV) is a manned submersible and a type of Swimmer Delivery Vehicle used to deliver United States Navy SEALs and their equipment for special operations missions and is also operated by the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service who operates 3 SDV's. The SDV is used primarily for covert or clandestine missions to denied access areas (either held by hostile forces or where military activity would draw notice and objection). It should not be confused with the larger, dry submersible called the Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS). The SDV is flooded, and the swimmers ride exposed to the water, breathing from the vehicle's compressed air supply or using their own SCUBA gear. (The ASDS is dry inside, with a full life support and air conditioning system.) The SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) unit, SDVT-1, is a subordinate of the Naval Special Warfare Group 3, now headquartered in Coronado. They operate detachments in Pearl Harbor and Little Creek. SDVT-2 was based in Virginia; it was disestablished and merged into SDVT-1. SDV Teams are SEAL teams with an added underwater delivery capability. An SDV platoon consists of 12–15 SEALs. Special Boat Team-12 (SBT-12) [Edited on Jan. 17, 2013] The U.S. Navy's Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC, pronounced "swick") are Special Operations Forces who operate and maintain an inventory of small craft used to support special operations missions, particularly those of the U.S. Navy SEALs. Individually, SEALs and SWCC go through separate specialized training programs that emphasize special operations in the maritime environment. SWCC are trained extensively in craft and weapons tactics, techniques, and procedures. Focusing on clandestine infiltration and exfiltration of SEALs and other special operations forces, SWCC provide dedicated, rapid mobility in shallow water areas where large ships cannot operate. SWCC must be physically fit, highly motivated, combat-focused, and responsive in high stress situations. Special Boat Team-12 was established in Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW Restructure force changes. The Unit is located at Coronado Amphibious Base, San Diego Calif. The Team is comprised of MKV SOC and SOC RHIB combatant craft. The Team deploys its SBDs to North East Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East. Special Boat Team began its history as Boat Support Unit ONE in 1964, in 1971 it became Coastal River Divison-12, and in 1978 it became Special Boat Unit-12 This long established history has had the Team continuously serving with distinction in almost all of Americas conflicts since Vietnam. SBT-12 was a frontline unit in IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003 and continues as a frontline unit in the Global War on Terrorism. Special Boat Team-20 (SBT-20) Special Boat Team-20 was established Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW-21 Restructure Force changes. SBT-20 is located at Little Creek Amphibious Base in Virginia. The Team is comprised of MKV SOC and SOC RHIB combatant craft and deploys its SBDs to Europe, the Med., Africa and Middle East. Special Boat Team-20 began its history as Boat Support Unit-2 in 1964, in 1972 it became Coastal River Division - 20. 1979 saw its name change to Special Boat Unit-20. SBT-20's long established history has the team serving with distinction in most of America's conflicts. Special Boat Team-22 (SBT-22) Special Boat Team-22 was established Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW-21 force restructure changes. The Team is located at the John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. SBT-22 is comprised of SOCR, CAC and PBL combatant craft and deploys its SBDs regularly to Central America and South America and the Middle East. Because SBT-22 is now the only NSW Riverine unit it can be deployed to any riverine environment in the world. Special Boat Team 22 began its history as Coastal River Divison-22 in 1972 in New Orleans La. In 1979 it became Special Boat Unit - 22. The Team's long history in Riverine warfare is distinguished in Counter-Narcotic Operations in Central and South America. Mobile Communications Team 1 (MCT-1) The Mobile Communications Team is an operational component of the communications- electronics departments of the Naval Special Warfare Groups ONE and TWO. They are responsible for: (1) Providing operational communications support to SEAL Teams, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams, and to Special Boat Squadrons for deployed fleet and joint units; (2) Organizing, training, and integrating new equipment and developing tactics to provide the highest quality Naval Special Warfare communications operations and support; (3) Preparing, implementing, and reviewing communications plans in coordination with higher authority, Naval Special Warfare Command components and other fleet and joint units. As always, the above insignia are available on a limited number of selected quality products via my “Military Insignia” galleries. You may simply follow the direct links in the article to navigate to the corresponding galleries I will also make my insignia designs available free of charge to any military units and personnel, for any non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families. In addition, I would make my designs available free of charge to any military branches, formations and units for any non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit-related web design, training materials or presentations, as I did on numerous occasions in the past. The above information provided in part by Wikipedia, The Institute of Heraldry, Global Security. Special thanks to www.sealteam.com, and a number of official websites of the above-mentioned units.

U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff & Army Staff Insignia were always at the top of my “Military Insignia 3D” project’s to-do list. However, since those were amongst the most stunning-looking insignia of the U.S. military heraldry, I was keeping them on the back-burner until I felt that my techniques evolved far enough to tackle these badges. A good analogy would be what happened to George Lucas was with his first episodes of Star Wars. The major challenges were presented by flowing textures of gold, silver and black metal in my earlier arsenal, which I thought were not good enough at the time. Until now, that is. At certain point I felt that I have finally developed all the necessary tools. You be the judge. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters. The composition of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is defined by statute and consists of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (VCJCS), and the Military Service Chiefs from the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Marine Corps, all appointed by the President following Senate confirmation. Each of the individual Military Service Chiefs, outside of their Joint Chiefs of Staff obligations, works directly for the Secretary of the Military Department concerned, i.e. Secretary of the Army, Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of the Air Force. Following the Goldwater-Nichols Act in 1986 the Joint Chiefs of Staff do not have operational command authority, neither individually nor collectively, as the chain of command goes from the President to the Secretary of Defense, and from the Secretary of Defense to the Commanders of the Combatant Commands. Goldwater-Nichols also created the office of Vice Chairman, and the Chairman is now designated as the principal military adviser to the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and to the President. The Joint Staff (JS) is a headquarters staff in the Pentagon, composed of personnel from all the four services, that assists the Chairman and the Vice Chairman in discharging their responsibilities and is managed by the Director of the Joint Staff (DJS) who is a Lieutenant General or Vice Admiral. Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, presented here, consists of an oval silver metal wreath of laurel, symbolic of achievement, courage, and victory. The four unsheathed swords refer to the armed might of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps and their combined constant vigilance and readiness in the defense of the United States. General Staff Branch Insignia A military staff, often referred to as General Staff, Army Staff, Navy Staff or Air Staff within the individual services, is a group of officers and enlisted personnel that provides a bi-directional flow of information between a commanding officer and subordinate military units. A staff also provides an executive function which filters information needed by the commander, or shunts unnecessary information to a more appropriate tasker, handling the matter which would be an unnecessary distraction for the Commanding Officer at a more appropriate level. On February 14, 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt signed “An Act to Increase the efficiency of the Army” and four days later the Headquarters of the Army published it as General Orders Number 15. The brief act did five things. First Congress established a General Staff Corps. Second it defined the General Staff Corps duties. Third it severely limited the composition of the Corps from the Chief of Staff down to 20 captains or first lieutenants on a four-year detail. Next it provided that the Chief of Staff would supervise the various staff departments enumerated and lastly the act made the recently created Chief of Artillery an additional member of the General Staff. On 17 June 1904, the Chief of Staff of the Army, Lieutenant General Chaffee, approved the design of the General Staff insignia to take effect 1 July 1904. The device has been in continual use since that date. The insignia was originally worn only by officers, in the grade of captain and above, detailed to the General Staff Corps. Authority for its wear was later extended to officers detailed to General Staff Corps with troops. At the time the Department of the Army was established as the legal successor to the War Department, the word "Corps" in the title of branch officers detailed to the General Staff Corps was dropped. The device is now worn by officers detailed in orders to the Army General Staff and to General Staff with troops. The star is symbolic of the highest level in the Army, and the Arms of the United States allude to the mission of the General Staff which is the exercise General Staff supervision over the management of the land forces of the United States. Army Staff Identification Badge The Army Staff Identification Badge is a badge of the United States Army worn by personnel who serve at the Office of the Secretary of the Army and the Army Staff at Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) and its agencies. Neither an award nor a decoration, the badge is a distinguishing emblem of service. Initially issued as a temporary badge, officers and enlisted personnel demonstrating outstanding performance of duty and meeting all eligibility requirements can be processed after one complete year (365 days cumulative) of assignment and receive a certificate authorizing permanent wear of the badge. General Douglas MacArthur first proposed an Army General Staff Badge in 1931, but it was not until 1933 that the United States War Department authorized it. The badge has remained unchanged in appearance since it was first created, but the name was changed in 1982 from the Army General Staff Identification Badge to the Army Staff Identification Badge, and the eligibility criteria have evolved. On a United States Army uniform, the Army Staff Identification Badge is worn centered on the right breast pocket. A similar Army Staff Lapel Pin is authorized for civilian employees of the Department of the Army, regardless of grade, who fill an eligible position in an HQDA agency for no less than one year. The badge is based on the General Staff insignia with a black star in lieu of the Silver Star. The addition of the laurel leaves indicate achievement. The Coat of Arms of the United States in gold with the stripes of the shield to be enameled white and red and chief of the shield and the sky of the glory to be enameled blue, superimposed on a five-pointed black enameled star; in each reentrant angle of the star are three green enameled laurel leaves. The star is 3 inches (7.62 cm) in diameter for the Chief of Staff and former Chiefs of Staff and 2 inches (5.08 cm) in diameter for all other personnel awarded the badge. A miniature badge with 7 stripes in the chief instead of 13 stripes and 1 1/2 inches (3.81 cm) in diameter was authorized on 23 June 1989. As always, the above insignia are available on a limited number of selected quality products via my “Military Insignia” galleries at Zazzle. You may simply follow the direct links in the article to navigate to the corresponding galleries I will also make my insignia designs available free of charge to any military units and personnel, for any non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families. In addition, I would make my designs available free of charge to any military branches, formations and units for any non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit-related web design, training materials or presentations, as I did on many occasions in the past. The above information provided in part by Wikipedia, The Institute of Heraldry, Global Security.

Canadian Forces (CF) The Canadian Forces (CF) (French: Forces canadiennes; FC), officially the Canadian Armed Forces (French: Forces armées canadiennes), are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces." This singular institution consists of three main branches: Maritime Command (MARCOM), Land Force Command (LFC), and Air Command (AIRCOM), which are together overseen by the Armed Forces Council, chaired by the Chief of the Defence Staff. At the pinnacle of the command structure is the Commander-in-Chief, who is the reigning Canadian monarch, Elizabeth II, represented by the Governor General. The current iteration of the Canadian Forces dates from 1 February 1968, when the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force were merged into a unified structure. Its roots, however, lie in colonial militia groups that served alongside garrisons of the French and British armies and navies; a structure that remained in place until the early 20th century. Thereafter, a distinctly Canadian army and navy was established, followed by an air force, that, because of the constitutional arrangements at the time, remained effectively under the control of the British government until Canada gained legislative independence from the United Kingdom in 1931, partly due to the performance and sacrifice of the Canadian Corps in the First World War. Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) [Edited to add on Sept. 24, 2013] The Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC; French: Commandement des opérations interarmées du Canada or COIC) is one of the two unified commands of the Canadian Forces, the other one being the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. CJOC was announced in May 2012 as the result of the cost-cutting measures in the 2012 federal budget through the merger of Canada Command, the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command and the Canadian Operational Support Command under an integrated command-and-control structure. The command was stood up on 5 October 2012 to officially replace the three former organizations. The command team is composed of a three-star commander, assisted by three two-star deputy commanders, one for each of the three main components (Continental, Expeditionary, and Support). The team is rounded out by a one-star chief of staff and four senior non-commissioned members, an overall command chief warrant/petty officer, and a command chief warrant/petty officer for each component. CJOC's role is to "anticipate and conduct Canadian Forces operations, and develop, generate and integrate joint force capabilities for operations." The continental component consists of six regional joint task forces. In five of these JTFs, the commander also commands an army division or a maritime force. The five southern JTFs have no permanent operational units: units and detachments are temporarily assigned to them from the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force according to operational requirements. Canadian Operational Support Command (CANOSCOM) The Canadian Operational Support Command or CANOSCOM (in french : Commandement du soutien opérationnel du Canada or COMSOCAN) is one of seven commands of the Canadian Forces (CF). It provides the CF with combat support (including logistics, military engineering, land equipment maintenance services, communications and information systems, health services and military police) and service for both domestic and international missions. CANOSCOM consists of approximately 1,100 soldiers from all branches of the Canadian Forces who provide operations support to thousands of Canadian Forces involved in many missions. The CANOSCOM commands the Canadian Forces Joint Support Group, the Canadian Forces Joint Signal Regiment and J4 Materiel. CANOSCOM oversees 16 units and formations. Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM) Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (french: Commandement de la Force expéditionnaire du Canada) is an operational element of the Canadian Forces for operations outside of Canada. Under the CF structure, Canadian Expeditionary Forces Command (CEFCOM) is the unified command that is responsible for all Canadian Forces (CF) international operations, with the exception of operations conducted solely by Canadian Special Operations Forces Command elements. Similar to the integrated chain of command put in place under Canada Command (Canada COM), the CF’s operational command headquarters responsible for domestic operations, CEFCOM will bring together under one operational command the maritime, land and air force assets to conduct humanitarian, peace support or combat operations wherever they are required internationally. Headquartered in Ottawa, CEFCOM is responsible for setting the standards for integrated training and final certification of assigned forces – ensuring that all units and personnel selected to conduct overseas duties are fully trained and ready to do so. Canada Command (CANADACOM) Canada Command (CANADACOM) (in French : Commandement Canada or COMCAN) is one of the seven commands of the Canadian Forces. Stood up on February 1, 2006, it is responsible for all domestic operations and national security missions; as an operational commands, it works closely with environment commands such as the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, as well as with other operational commands such as Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, Canadian Expeditionary Force Command and Canadian Operational Support Command. CANCOM also maintains a close relationship with its American counterpart, the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), and contributes to NORAD alongside with the 1 Canadian Air Division of the Canadian Forces Air Command. Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was the air force of Canada from 1924 until 1968. Canadian Air Force was reestablished as Royal Canadian Air Force in 2011. Prior to 1924, Canada's involvement with air defence consisted of Canadian airmen flying with the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service, with the short-lived Canadian Aviation Corps, and with a small two-squadron Canadian Air Force attached to the Royal Air Force in England during the First World War. In 1920 another Canadian Air Force was established in Canada that was concerned mostly with military flight training and civil operations. This Canadian Air Force was renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924 and continued its focus on civil aviation. The RCAF's focus changed to one of a military nature and it became an active participant in the Second World War and the Cold War. In 1968 the three branches of the Canadian military were merged into the Canadian Forces and the RCAF was disbanded. The modern Canadian air force has been known as Canadian Forces Air Command (AIRCOM) since 1975, but still refers to itself as the "Air Force" and maintains many of the traditions of the RCAF. In 2011 it was renamed back to Royal Canadian Air Force, as a measure of preserving Canadian military heritage. Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN, Marine royale canadienne in French) was the navy of Canada from 1911 to 1968. From May 4, 1910, to August 29, 1911, the navy was known as the Naval Service of Canada and operationally as Canadian Naval Forces. The RCN played a role in the First World War, contributed significantly to the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War, and was a part of NATO's force buildup during the Cold War. However 1960s politicians believed that unification of the services was more appropriate than single services remaining. Therefore in 1968 all three Canadian services were unified to form the Canadian Armed Forces (short form: Canadian Forces (CF)). In 2011 Canadian Naval Forces were reestablished as the Royal Canadian Navy, for the same reasons the old name was returned to Royal Canadian Air Force. Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) (French: Garde côtière canadienne - GCC) is the coast guard of Canada. It is a federal agency responsible for providing maritime search and rescue (SAR), aids to navigation, marine pollution response, marine radio, and icebreaking. Unlike some other coast guards, such as the United States Coast Guard, the CCG is a civilian organisation with no military or law enforcement responsibilities. The Canadian Coast Guard is headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario and is a Special Operating Agency within the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Canadian Forces Land Force Command (LFC) The Canadian Forces Land Force Command (LFC), often called the Canadian Army, is responsible for army operations within the Canadian Forces. The current size of Land Force Command is 19,500 regular soldiers and 16,000 reserve soldiers, for a total of around 35,500 soldiers. LFC maintains regular forces units at bases across Canada and is also responsible for the largest component of the Primary Reserve, the Army Reserve, which is often referred to informally by its historic name, the "militia". The Chief of the Land Staff is Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin. LFC is the descendant of the Canadian Army which was the name of Canada's land forces from 1940 until February 1, 1968. At the time of unification all army units were placed under Mobile Command (MC), later changed to Force Mobile Command (FMC) in 1975 when tactical air units were assigned to newly-created Air Command. The name was changed from FMC to Land Force Command in a 1997 reorganization of the Canadian Forces. Royal Canadian Infantry Corps (RCIC) The Royal Canadian Infantry Corps is the Corps to which all Canadian infantry regiments belong. This is also known as the "Infantry Branch". Originally formed as the Canadian Infantry Corps in 1942 to encompass all existing infantry regiments, including regiments of foot guards, in the Canadian Army. The corps was granted its "royal" designation in 1947 and was designated Royal Canadian Infantry Corps 30 April 1947 to be redesignated The Royal Canadian Infantry Corps 22 March 1948 and revert back to Royal Canadian Infantry Corps 18 April 1955. The crest of the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps consists of a circle, with a Kings Crown on top, superimposed on two rifles, with the text "Infantry Infanterie." There is a ribbon with the text "Ducimus" on the bottom. At the center of the circle is a stem with tree maple leaves. With integration of the Canadian Forces it became Infantry Branch, Canadian Forces 2 May 1969. Today, the administration and training and both the regular and reserve infantry that form part of Land Command is the responsibility of the Infantry School, which runs courses in all aspects of infantry operation, and is stationed at CFB Gagetown. Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC) The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC) is the armoured branch of service of the Canadian Forces Land Force Command (Canadian Army), including regular force and reserve regiments. The corps was formed on 13 August 1940 as the Canadian Armoured Corps with Major-General (then Colonel) F. F. Worthington as its first colonel-commandant, but claimed lineage from the Canadian Tank Corps of the First World War. The royal designation was added on 2 August 1945, after the European war ended. Canadian armoured regiments split their heritage between the cavalry, from which many armoured regiments were created, and the infantry beginning in 1936 with the creation of "infantry (tank)" regiments and continuing from 1940 when many infantry regiments mobilized armoured units for the Second World War and eventually transferred from the (Royal) Canadian Infantry Corps into the RCAC. In Canada, with the integration of the Canadian army into the Canadian Forces, the Armour Branch has continued to use the title Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery (RCA) The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery (Fr: le Régiment royal de l'Artillerie canadienne) is the artillery personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). Many of the units and batteries of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery are older than Canada itself. The first artillery company in Canada was formed in the province of Quebec in 1750. Volunteer Canadian artillery batteries existed before 1855 but their history is mostly unknown. Seven batteries of artillery were formed after the passage of the Militia Act of 1855 which allowed Canada to retain a paid military force of 5,000 men. One of the pre-1855 volunteer batteries formed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1793 was called the “Loyal Company of Artillery” and exists today as the 3rd Field Regiment, RCA. Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA) The Royal Canadian Horse Artillery is the name given to the regular field artillery units of the Canadian Army. RCHA units are the senior units of the Canadian land field force, with a history dating back to the birth of Canada as a nation. 'A' and 'B' Batteries of Garrison Artillery were formed as the first units of Canada's permanent military force in 1871 in Kingston and Quebec City respectively, with a third ('C' Battery) authorized in 1883 and formed in 1887 in Esquimalt. These bore the name of the Regiment of Canadian Artillery, with the Royal Canadian Artillery being formed as the militia element in 1895. In 1905, to distinguish between the regular force and militia, the regulars were given the title Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) (French: Commandement des Forces d'opérations spéciales du Canada; COMFOSCAN), is a command of the Canadian Forces. It is responsible for all special forces operations that are capable of responding to terrorism and threats to Canadians and Canadian interests around the world. CANSOFCOM is composed of: · Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2) - Dwyer Hill Training Centre, Ottawa · Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) - CFB Petawawa · 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS)- CFB Petawawa · Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) - CFB Kingston and Trenton · Task Force Arrowhead (2011) CANSOFCOM is capable of operating as an independent formation but its primary focus is to generate Special Operations Forces (SOF) elements to support Canada Command (Canada COM) and the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM). Integrating special operations forces in this manner increases their impact in operations, as well as the range of options available to the government in the deployment of the Canadian Forces. CANSOFCOM core tasks are as follows: to provide the Canadian Forces with a capacity to prevent and react to terrorism in all environments, to provide the CF with a capability to perform other missions as directed by the Government of Canada, such as direct action (DA), special reconnaissance (SR), defence diplomacy and military assistance (DDMA), as well as special humanitarian assistance (such as the evacuation of non-combatants) Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) (French: Deuxième Force opérationnelle interarmées) is an elite Special Operations Force of the Canadian Armed Forces primarily tasked with counter-terrorism operations. JTF2 together with the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR), 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS), and the Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) form the operational elements of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. Much of the information regarding Joint Task Force 2 is highly classified, and is not commented on by either the Government of Canada or the Department of National Defence on the unit’s capabilities, organization, and operational missions. Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) The Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) (French : Régiment d'opérations spéciales du Canada) is a battalion-sized, high-readiness special operations unit part of CANSOFCOM. CSOR is capable of conducting and enabling a broad range of missions, including Direct Action (DA), Defence Diplomacy and Military Assistance (DDMA), Special Reconnaissance (SR) and Domestic Counter Terrorism (Dom CT). CSOR personnel are intelligent, physically fit, and possess a host of skills that enable them to operate effectively in challenging environments. CSOR is internationally recognized for being an innovative, cutting-edge special operations force 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS) 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS) is a tactical helicopter unit that provides aviation support to Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. The squadron is based at CFB Petawawa, Ontario with a fleet of Bell CH-146 Griffon helicopters. 427 started as a bomber squadron formed at Croft, England on 7 November 1942 and spent its wartime entirely in England as a part of No. 6 Group RCAF, RAF Bomber Command. 427 flew Vickers Wellington Mk IIIs and Mk Xs from its first operational mission on 14 December 1942, a minelaying sortie to the Frisian Islands, until May of 1943 when it was relocated to Leeming, North Yorkshire. 1 February 2006 saw command of 427 transferred to Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, as it took on a full-time role of special operations aviation support. Shortly thereafter, it was renamed as, "427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (SOAS)." Unlike the 160th SOAR (US Army), there are no specialized standards (in the "Special Operations context") for any 427 SOAS members unlike the other units in CANSOFCOM - JTF 2, CSOR and CJIRU and entrance into 427 SOAS requires only "negotiations through Career Managers and losing units. Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) The Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit of the Canadian Forces was created "to provide timely and agile broad-based CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) support to the Government of Canada in order to prevent, control and mitigate CBRN threats to Canada, Canadians and Canadian interests." It is a sub-unit of the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Company, which in turn forms part of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. Subsequent to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the Chief Review Services Report on Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence of the same year, it became evident that the Canadian Forces needed to increase the breadth of its NBCD capabilities. The federal government, under then-Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, allotted $30 million in the December 2001 budget to enhance this capability and create the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Company (JNBCD Coy). In September 2007 the CJIRU was created as the rapid deployment response team of the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Company (JNBCD Coy) due to the company's vast operational capabilities, duties and responsibilities. Due to the requirement for rapid deployment of the unit, CJIRU is based alongside airlift assets at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario. The JNBCD Coy Headquarters is located at CFB Kingston, Ontario. Canadian Military Engineers (CME) The Canadian Military Engineers (CME) is the military engineer branch of the Canadian Forces. The mission of the Canadian Military Engineers is to contribute to the survival, mobility, and combat effectiveness of the Canadian Forces. Their roles are to conduct combat operations, support the Canadian Forces in war and peace, support national development, provide assistance to civil authorities, and support international aid programs. Military engineers’ responsibilities encompass the use of demolitions and land mines, the design, construction and maintenance of defensive works and fortifications, urban operations (hostile room entry), breaching obstacles, establishing/maintaining lines of communication, and bridging. They also provide water, power and other utilities, provide fire, aircraft crash and rescue services, hazardous material operations, and develop maps and other engineering intelligence. In addition, military engineers are experts in deception and concealment, as well as in the design and development of equipment necessary to carry out these operations. The official role of the Combat Engineer is to allow friendly troops to live, move and fight on the battlefield and deny that to the enemy. Canadian Forces Military Police The Canadian Forces Military Police provide military police services to the Canadian Forces. Canadian Military Police are unusual in that they are classified as Peace Officers in the Criminal Code of Canada, which gives them the same powers as civilian law enforcement personnel to enforce Acts of Parliament on DND property or in relation to DND property anywhere in the world. They have the power to arrest anyone who is subject to the Code of Service Discipline (CDS), regardless of position or rank under the National Defence Act. MPs have the power to arrest non-CDS bound civilians only in cases where a crime is committed on or in relation to DND property, or at the request of the Minister of Public Safety, Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada or Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Although MP jurisdiction is on military establishments across Canada and throughout the world, any civilian accessing these areas falls under MP jurisdiction and are dealt with in the same manner as any civilian policing agency. If in fact a crime is committed on or in relation to DND property, CFMP have the power to arrest and charge the offender, military or civilian, on or off DND property. It is important to note though that the purpose of the CFMP is not to replace the job of a civilian police officer, but rather to support the Canadian Forces through security and policing services. Communications and Electronics (C&E) The Communications and Electronics (C&E) Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). Major Wallace Bruce Matthews Carruthers (13 February 1863 - 21 October 1910) was the founder of the Canadian Signalling Corps, forerunner of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals and the Communications and Electronics Branch of the Canadian Forces. The Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics(CFSCEE) in Kingston, Ontario was founded in 1937. Initially, CFSCEE provided training in Communications and Electronics in Canadian Army and now in the Canadian Forces. The last "E" was dropped in recent times, and is now called CFSCE. CFSCE provides basic, intermediate and advanced training to military personnel in the field of Communications and Electronics Canadian Forces Medical Service (CFMS) The Canadian Forces Medical Service (CFMS) provides medical support for the Canadian Forces (CF) both at home and abroad. It is also a personnel branch of the CF. The CFMS along with the Canadian Forces Dental Service (CFDS) form the Canadian Forces Health Services Group (CF H Svcs Gp). The branch has its origins in the Dominion government's 1885 response to the North-West Rebellion, with the appointment of Canada's first Surgeon General, Doctor Darby Bergin of Cornwall, Ontario, and the mobilization of two field hospitals. It suffered significant budgetary cutbacks after the 1994 Broadbent Report following the end of the Cold War, with three of its six military hospitals being closed. More of the CFMS History can be found at the CF Health Services web site. Former Colonel in Chief was Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (mother of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II). The current Colonel in Chief is Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (daughter of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince Phillip) Canadian Forces Intelligence Branch The Intelligence (Int) Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF) that is concerned with providing relevant and correct information to enable commanders to make decisions. The Intelligence Branch of the Canadian Forces works in a variety of challenging positions, at home and abroad, meeting the needs of commanders and operational planners of the Canadian Forces at all levels and in all environments, be it on overseas missions like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Somalia, Rwanda, East Timor, and Afghanistan, or at home like the ice storms in Quebec, floods in Winnipeg, and fires in British Columbia. Army intelligence reservists, employed at 6 Intelligence Company (Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg), 2 Intelligence Company (Toronto) and 2 Intelligence Platoon (Ottawa), 4 Intelligence Company (platoons in Montreal and Quebec City), 3 Intelligence Company (Halifax, Nova Scotia), make a vital contribution to this effort while in garrison or deployed on overseas missions. Canadian Forces Logistics Branch The Logistics (Log) Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). When the Army, Royal Canadian Navy, and Royal Canadian Air Force were merged in 1968 to form the Canadian Forces, the administrative Corps of the Army were deactivated and merged with their Naval and Air Force counterparts to form the Canadian Forces' personnel branches. The Royal Canadian Army Service Corps transport and supply elements were combined with the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps to form the Logistics Branch The Royal Canadian Postal Corps, Royal Canadian Army Service Corps clerical trades, and Royal Canadian Army Pay Corps were merged to form the Administration Branch (later merged with the Logistics Branch). In April 2007, the CF Armed Forces Council decided to incorporate the Personnel Selection Branch into the Logistics branch. Canadian Forces Legal Branch The Legal Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). It primarily deals with the Canadian Forces' legal affairs. The Military Law Centre on the grounds of the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario which is staffed with nine military lawyers, oversees the education of officers and troops in legal matters ranging from the Forces' own code of conduct to the laws of war. It trains military lawyers and advises Ottawa on matters of policy and doctrine. The centre integrates legal education into the regular training that Forces members undergo and establishes its growing importance within the military hierarchy. Personnel Selection Branch The Personnel Selection Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). The Personnel Selection branch was created in the Canadian Army on 18 September 1941. Later on the Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy followed suit. Officers of the Personnel Selection (PSEL) branch provide behavioural science services to enable the Canadian Forces (CF) to effectively assess, acquire, integrate, and maintain personnel for operational and support roles. The primary tasks of a Personnel Selection Officer (PSO) require the application of professional behavioural science knowledge and procedures in the assessment of people and human factors that affect working relationships. Through interviews, psychological testing, and other sources of information, PSOs assess the suitability of individuals for military service and recommend subsequent assignment to an appropriate military occupation for training. They also assess and recommend the suitability of military personnel for special training or employment. In April 2007, the CF Armed Forces Council decided to incorporate the Personnel Selection Branch into the Logistics branch. Canadian Defence Academy (CDA) The Canadian Defence Academy is an organization located within the Canadian Forces created in 2000. The academy is situated within the Military Personnel Command. CDA is comprised several training institutes such as the Royal Military College of Canada and the Royal Military College Saint-Jean. Royal Canadian Regiment (The RCR) The Royal Canadian Regiment (The RCR) is an infantry regiment of the Canadian Forces. The regiment consists of four battalions, three in the Regular Force and one in the Primary Reserve (militia). The RCR is the senior infantry regiment in the Regular Force, but its 4th Battalion (formerly the London and Oxford Fusiliers) is ranked 11th in the order of precedence among infantry regiments in the Primary Reserve. The regiment's four battalions are stationed in Ontario and New Brunswick. With many of its soldiers drawn from Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces in recent decades, the regiment maintains a general connection as the "local" infantry regiment for eastern Canada. The RCR maintains a Regimental Headquarters (RHQ) in Petawawa, Ontario, which has no operational command role but handles regimental affairs outside the responsibility of the individual Battalions. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum is located within historic Wolseley Hall in London, Ontario. Wolseley Barracks in London has been continuously occupied by some element of the regiment since construction of Wolseley Hall was completed in 1888. At various times Wolseley Barracks has been the home of the 1st and 2nd Battalions, and remains the home of the 4th Battalion today. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI, generally referred to as Patricia's) is one of the three main infantry regiments of the Canadian Forces (CF). It is one of the most decorated regiments in Canada. The regiment is composed of four battalions including a primary reserve battalion, for a total of 2,000 soldiers. The PPCLI is the main lodger unit of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton in Alberta and CFB Shilo in Manitoba, and belongs to the Land Force Western Area; as such it is the "local" regular infantry regiment for much of western and Pacific Canada. The Loyal Edmonton Regiment is the reserve battalion of the regiment and carries the designation '4th Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry'. The regiment is not an operational structure, but rather a protocolary one. The four battalions are thus operational entities, under the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group for the Regular Force and the 41 Canadian Brigade Group for the Primary Reserve. Although the regiment carries the designation of 'Light Infantry', two of its battalions are mechanized infantry, and the unit has never been organized as a traditional light infantry regiment. The PPCLI was raised on the initiative of Captain Andrew Hamilton Gault in 1914, to participate in the Canadian war effort for the First World War. It was the first Canadian infantry unit to enter the theatre of operations, arriving in France on December 21, 1914. The regiment has also participated in the Second World War, the Korean War and the War in Afghanistan, as well as in numerous NATO operations and UN peacekeeping missions. The regiment has received 39 battle honours, two mentions of the Commander-in-Chief and the United States Presidential Unit Citation. Royal 22e Régiment The Royal 22e Régiment is an infantry regiment and the most famous francophone organization of the Canadian Forces. The regiment comprises three Regular Force battalions, two Primary Reserve battalions, and a band, making it the largest regiment in the Canadian Army. The ceremonial home of the regiment is La Citadelle in Quebec City, where the regimental museum is housed. The regiment is nicknamed the Van Doos, an anglicized mispronunciation of vingt-deux ("twenty-two" in French.) The regiment's regimental headquarters is located in Quebec City, with all three of its regular battalions stationed at various bases in the province of Quebec. The regiment serves as the "local" infantry regiment for Quebec. Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) is an armoured regiment of the Canadian Army. It is one of three armoured regiments in the Regular Force and forms part of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. The Royal Canadian Dragoons is the most senior cavalry regiment in Canada, having been formed on December 21, 1883, 3:03 pm, as the Cavalry School Corps, as a result of the Militia Act of 1883, which also created the Infantry School Corps (now The Royal Canadian Regiment). The Militia Act of 1883 emphasized the need for a fully trained army to defend Canada, as its defences had been pierced during the Fenian raids. In 1887 it was renamed the Royal School of Cavalry. In 1892 the regiment was renamed as the Canadian Dragoons and in 1893 it became The Royal Canadian Dragoons. It served in the North-West campaign of 1885, the Second Boer War, First World War, Second World War, past peacekeeping (such as Somalia, Korea, and Kosovo among others) and Afghanistan with distinction. The regiment currently serves as part of Land Force Central Area's 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group based at CFB Petawawa, Ontario, and is a dedicated reconnaissance regiment. It converted to this role in April 2003, and was equipped solely with Coyote light armoured reconnaissance vehicles. In late 2006 the regiment was once again equipped with the Leopard tank. In March 2007, a Tank Troop was stood up and prepared to deploy to Afghanistan with the Leopard 2A6M. C Squadron was reformed and stationed in CFB Gagetown with the promise of tank capability in 2012. Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH [RC]) Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH [RC]) is a regular armoured regiment of the Canadian Forces. Currently based in Edmonton, Alberta, the regiment is part of Land Force Western Area's 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. When deployed overseas, however, the regiment is placed in ad hoc formations that report directly to National Defence Headquarters and not to 1 CMBG. Members of the regiment are commonly called Strathconas or Strats as a short form. The regiment is currently composed of a regimental headquarters and five primary squadrons: A, B, C, Reconnaissance ('Recce') and Headquarters. In September 2006, B Squadron deployed to Afghanistan using the Leopard C2, the first NATO deployment of main battle tanks (MBTs) to Afghanistan. Currently, one Squadron is deployed as part of the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (1 PPCLI) Battle Group. Each year the squadron that distinguishes itself with the highest efficiency rating in the Regiment earns the title "Prince of Wales Squadron" for the year. The regiment has seven affiliated cadet corps in Alberta and British Columbia. The main vehicles operated by Lord Strathcona's Horse are the Leopard tank and the Coyote Reconnaissance Vehicle. Due to a change in Canadian army doctrine in the early 2000s away from heavy armour to more infantry-centred operations, Lord Strathcona's Horse was for several years the only regular armoured regiment to operate MBTs. This was until the 2006 announcement that the Royal Canadian Dragoons would be re-equipped with a squadron of Leopards. The regimental motto is Perseverance. 12th Armoured Regiment of Canada The 12e Régiment blindé du Canada (12th Armoured Regiment of Canada) is a Canadian Forces armoured regiment based in CFB Valcartier, on the outskirts of Quebec City. The regiment has both Regular Force and Primary Reserve components. The 12e Régiment blindé du Canada's abbreviation is 12e RBC. Both the regular and militia regiments serve mainly in the armoured reconnaissance role but a squadron of tanks is now being formed out of Valcartier. origins are in The Three Rivers Regiment, a militia (Reserve Force) regiment based in Trois-Rivières, a town halfway between Montreal and Quebec City. Originally formed in 1871 as the 178th provisional battalion of Infantry and after many name changes, became the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada in 1968. This was a new Regular Force regiment which was created in Valcartier, while a militia unit was left in Trois-Rivières under the name 12e Régiment blindé du Canada (Milice). The number in the regimental title commemorates The Three Rivers Regiment's order of battle during the Second World War: 12th Canadian Armoured Regiment (The Three Rivers Regiment). The Canadian Army traditionally avoided having city or region names in the titles of its Regular Force regiments; this was likely the reason for the 1960s name change (additionally, the name of the unit used English spelling for a French city.) British Columbia Dragoons (BCD) The British Columbia Dragoons (BCD) is a Primary Reserve armoured reconnaissance regiment of the Canadian Forces. It is based in Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton, British Columbia. The British Columbia Dragoons are part of Land Force Western Area's 39 Canadian Brigade Group. The British Columbia Dragoons trace their origins to the formation of the Canadian Mounted Rifles, two independent squadrons of horse in Kamloops and Vernon in 1908. In 1910 two additional squadrons were raised and the regiment was renamed the British Columbia Horse. In 1912 the unit was renamed again as the 30th Regiment, British Columbia Horse. 1914 saw the formation of the Victoria Independent Squadron on Vancouver Island. 1st Hussars The 1st Hussars is an armoured Primary Reserve regiment of the Canadian Forces, currently based in London, Ontario and Sarnia, Ontario. The 1st Hussars traces its roots to the formation of the St. Thomas Troop of Volunteer Militia Cavalry in March 1856 and the First Troop of Volunteer Militia Cavalry of London in July of the same year. In 1863, these units were redesignated the St. Thomas Troop of Cavalry and the London Troop of Cavalry, respectively. Both troops were put on active duty in southwestern Ontario in response to the Fenian raid of 1866, but neither had contact with the invading forces. Despite "1st" in the title, the regiment is not the most senior armoured unit. With the militia reorganization of 1872, the senior or only cavalry regiment within a Militia District adopted the numerical designation of that district. Southwestern Ontario comprised Military District No. 1, hence the original designation as the 1st Regiment of Cavalry. The unit was renamed 1st Hussars in 1892 and because a British mounted unit numbered "1" never existed, it was unnecessary to add a 'Canada' or 'Canadian' modifier. Following the Second World War, because of wartime and earlier conversion to armour of some more senior infantry regiments, the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps decided that seniority would be determined by date of birth, regardless of the Corps in which the unit was raised. Regular Force regiments take precedence, and seniority among themselves by date of birth. 1st Hussars is placed seventh in the order of seniority of militia armoured regiments. The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) (RCAC) is a Primary Reserve armoured reconnaissance (recce) regiment of the Canadian Forces; the regiment is subordinate to 39 Canadian Brigade Group of Land Force Western Area. Established in 1883, it is the oldest military unit in Vancouver, British Columbia. It parades at the Beatty Street Drill Hall at the corner of Dunsmuir and Beatty in Downtown Vancouver. The regiment has been variously designated as garrison artillery, rifles, infantry, and armoured, but has been reconnaissance since 1965. It has received forty battle honours in its history, and has been a formation of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps since 1942. On 1 June 1866, the Seymour Artillery Company was formed at New Westminster, British Columbia in preparation for Fenian raids. Irish nationalists had landed in San Francisco and were attempting to sail north to launch an attack on the British Empire. Many of the recruits had been members of the Royal Engineers detachment that established New Westminster as the capital of the new colony and built roads and surveyed the area under Captain Richard Moody. That detachment was disbanded in 1863, but most chose to stay and settle in the area, and subsequently enlisted when the call was made. The Fenian raid on BC never happened, but the nucleus of the British Columbia Regiment was in place. Fort Garry Horse The Fort Garry Horse is a Canadian Army Reserve Armoured Regiment based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is currently part of Land Force Western Area's 38 Canadian Brigade Group. The regiment was formed in 1912, as the 34th Regiment of Cavalry. In 1913 it was renamed 34th Fort Garry Horse. In 1914, a new armory was specially built on Maryland Street in Winnipeg. In the First World War, volunteers from the regiment helped form the 6th Battalion, CEF, later Canadian Cavalry Depot, then later The Fort Garry Horse for active service in France. In 1949 the regiment was renamed The Fort Garry Horse (10th Armoured Regiment). In 1958 a Regular Force component, 1st Fort Garry Horse was formed the Militia was titled 2nd Fort Garry Horse. The titles were changed shortly afterward to The Fort Garry Horse and The Fort Garry Horse (M). In 1970 the Regular Force component was disbanded and the Militia regiment retained the title The Fort Garry Horse. In 2003, the regiment began hosting personnel to help create a new unit of the Canadian Military Engineers. It is planned that these personnel will eventually form 31 Field Engineer Squadron. The engineers in this unit have the distinction of being the only reservists in Canada to wear the black beret of the Armoured Corps with the cap badge of the Canadian Military Engineers.

Canadian Forces (CF) The Canadian Forces (CF) (French: Forces canadiennes; FC), officially the Canadian Armed Forces (French: Forces armées canadiennes), are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces." This singular institution consists of three main branches: Maritime Command (MARCOM), Land Force Command (LFC), and Air Command (AIRCOM), which are together overseen by the Armed Forces Council, chaired by the Chief of the Defence Staff. At the pinnacle of the command structure is the Commander-in-Chief, who is the reigning Canadian monarch, Elizabeth II, represented by the Governor General. The current iteration of the Canadian Forces dates from 1 February 1968, when the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force were merged into a unified structure. Its roots, however, lie in colonial militia groups that served alongside garrisons of the French and British armies and navies; a structure that remained in place until the early 20th century. Thereafter, a distinctly Canadian army and navy was established, followed by an air force, that, because of the constitutional arrangements at the time, remained effectively under the control of the British government until Canada gained legislative independence from the United Kingdom in 1931, partly due to the performance and sacrifice of the Canadian Corps in the First World War. Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) [Edited to add on Sept. 24, 2013] The Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC; French: Commandement des opérations interarmées du Canada or COIC) is one of the two unified commands of the Canadian Forces, the other one being the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. CJOC was announced in May 2012 as the result of the cost-cutting measures in the 2012 federal budget through the merger of Canada Command, the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command and the Canadian Operational Support Command under an integrated command-and-control structure. The command was stood up on 5 October 2012 to officially replace the three former organizations. The command team is composed of a three-star commander, assisted by three two-star deputy commanders, one for each of the three main components (Continental, Expeditionary, and Support). The team is rounded out by a one-star chief of staff and four senior non-commissioned members, an overall command chief warrant/petty officer, and a command chief warrant/petty officer for each component. CJOC's role is to "anticipate and conduct Canadian Forces operations, and develop, generate and integrate joint force capabilities for operations." The continental component consists of six regional joint task forces. In five of these JTFs, the commander also commands an army division or a maritime force. The five southern JTFs have no permanent operational units: units and detachments are temporarily assigned to them from the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force according to operational requirements. Canadian Operational Support Command (CANOSCOM) The Canadian Operational Support Command or CANOSCOM (in french : Commandement du soutien opérationnel du Canada or COMSOCAN) is one of seven commands of the Canadian Forces (CF). It provides the CF with combat support (including logistics, military engineering, land equipment maintenance services, communications and information systems, health services and military police) and service for both domestic and international missions. CANOSCOM consists of approximately 1,100 soldiers from all branches of the Canadian Forces who provide operations support to thousands of Canadian Forces involved in many missions. The CANOSCOM commands the Canadian Forces Joint Support Group, the Canadian Forces Joint Signal Regiment and J4 Materiel. CANOSCOM oversees 16 units and formations. Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM) Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (french: Commandement de la Force expéditionnaire du Canada) is an operational element of the Canadian Forces for operations outside of Canada. Under the CF structure, Canadian Expeditionary Forces Command (CEFCOM) is the unified command that is responsible for all Canadian Forces (CF) international operations, with the exception of operations conducted solely by Canadian Special Operations Forces Command elements. Similar to the integrated chain of command put in place under Canada Command (Canada COM), the CF’s operational command headquarters responsible for domestic operations, CEFCOM will bring together under one operational command the maritime, land and air force assets to conduct humanitarian, peace support or combat operations wherever they are required internationally. Headquartered in Ottawa, CEFCOM is responsible for setting the standards for integrated training and final certification of assigned forces – ensuring that all units and personnel selected to conduct overseas duties are fully trained and ready to do so. Canada Command (CANADACOM) Canada Command (CANADACOM) (in French : Commandement Canada or COMCAN) is one of the seven commands of the Canadian Forces. Stood up on February 1, 2006, it is responsible for all domestic operations and national security missions; as an operational commands, it works closely with environment commands such as the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, as well as with other operational commands such as Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, Canadian Expeditionary Force Command and Canadian Operational Support Command. CANCOM also maintains a close relationship with its American counterpart, the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), and contributes to NORAD alongside with the 1 Canadian Air Division of the Canadian Forces Air Command. Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was the air force of Canada from 1924 until 1968. Canadian Air Force was reestablished as Royal Canadian Air Force in 2011. Prior to 1924, Canada's involvement with air defence consisted of Canadian airmen flying with the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service, with the short-lived Canadian Aviation Corps, and with a small two-squadron Canadian Air Force attached to the Royal Air Force in England during the First World War. In 1920 another Canadian Air Force was established in Canada that was concerned mostly with military flight training and civil operations. This Canadian Air Force was renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924 and continued its focus on civil aviation. The RCAF's focus changed to one of a military nature and it became an active participant in the Second World War and the Cold War. In 1968 the three branches of the Canadian military were merged into the Canadian Forces and the RCAF was disbanded. The modern Canadian air force has been known as Canadian Forces Air Command (AIRCOM) since 1975, but still refers to itself as the "Air Force" and maintains many of the traditions of the RCAF. In 2011 it was renamed back to Royal Canadian Air Force, as a measure of preserving Canadian military heritage. Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN, Marine royale canadienne in French) was the navy of Canada from 1911 to 1968. From May 4, 1910, to August 29, 1911, the navy was known as the Naval Service of Canada and operationally as Canadian Naval Forces. The RCN played a role in the First World War, contributed significantly to the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War, and was a part of NATO's force buildup during the Cold War. However 1960s politicians believed that unification of the services was more appropriate than single services remaining. Therefore in 1968 all three Canadian services were unified to form the Canadian Armed Forces (short form: Canadian Forces (CF)). In 2011 Canadian Naval Forces were reestablished as the Royal Canadian Navy, for the same reasons the old name was returned to Royal Canadian Air Force. Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) (French: Garde côtière canadienne - GCC) is the coast guard of Canada. It is a federal agency responsible for providing maritime search and rescue (SAR), aids to navigation, marine pollution response, marine radio, and icebreaking. Unlike some other coast guards, such as the United States Coast Guard, the CCG is a civilian organisation with no military or law enforcement responsibilities. The Canadian Coast Guard is headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario and is a Special Operating Agency within the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Canadian Forces Land Force Command (LFC) The Canadian Forces Land Force Command (LFC), often called the Canadian Army, is responsible for army operations within the Canadian Forces. The current size of Land Force Command is 19,500 regular soldiers and 16,000 reserve soldiers, for a total of around 35,500 soldiers. LFC maintains regular forces units at bases across Canada and is also responsible for the largest component of the Primary Reserve, the Army Reserve, which is often referred to informally by its historic name, the "militia". The Chief of the Land Staff is Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin. LFC is the descendant of the Canadian Army which was the name of Canada's land forces from 1940 until February 1, 1968. At the time of unification all army units were placed under Mobile Command (MC), later changed to Force Mobile Command (FMC) in 1975 when tactical air units were assigned to newly-created Air Command. The name was changed from FMC to Land Force Command in a 1997 reorganization of the Canadian Forces. Royal Canadian Infantry Corps (RCIC) The Royal Canadian Infantry Corps is the Corps to which all Canadian infantry regiments belong. This is also known as the "Infantry Branch". Originally formed as the Canadian Infantry Corps in 1942 to encompass all existing infantry regiments, including regiments of foot guards, in the Canadian Army. The corps was granted its "royal" designation in 1947 and was designated Royal Canadian Infantry Corps 30 April 1947 to be redesignated The Royal Canadian Infantry Corps 22 March 1948 and revert back to Royal Canadian Infantry Corps 18 April 1955. The crest of the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps consists of a circle, with a Kings Crown on top, superimposed on two rifles, with the text "Infantry Infanterie." There is a ribbon with the text "Ducimus" on the bottom. At the center of the circle is a stem with tree maple leaves. With integration of the Canadian Forces it became Infantry Branch, Canadian Forces 2 May 1969. Today, the administration and training and both the regular and reserve infantry that form part of Land Command is the responsibility of the Infantry School, which runs courses in all aspects of infantry operation, and is stationed at CFB Gagetown. Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC) The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC) is the armoured branch of service of the Canadian Forces Land Force Command (Canadian Army), including regular force and reserve regiments. The corps was formed on 13 August 1940 as the Canadian Armoured Corps with Major-General (then Colonel) F. F. Worthington as its first colonel-commandant, but claimed lineage from the Canadian Tank Corps of the First World War. The royal designation was added on 2 August 1945, after the European war ended. Canadian armoured regiments split their heritage between the cavalry, from which many armoured regiments were created, and the infantry beginning in 1936 with the creation of "infantry (tank)" regiments and continuing from 1940 when many infantry regiments mobilized armoured units for the Second World War and eventually transferred from the (Royal) Canadian Infantry Corps into the RCAC. In Canada, with the integration of the Canadian army into the Canadian Forces, the Armour Branch has continued to use the title Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery (RCA) The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery (Fr: le Régiment royal de l'Artillerie canadienne) is the artillery personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). Many of the units and batteries of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery are older than Canada itself. The first artillery company in Canada was formed in the province of Quebec in 1750. Volunteer Canadian artillery batteries existed before 1855 but their history is mostly unknown. Seven batteries of artillery were formed after the passage of the Militia Act of 1855 which allowed Canada to retain a paid military force of 5,000 men. One of the pre-1855 volunteer batteries formed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1793 was called the “Loyal Company of Artillery” and exists today as the 3rd Field Regiment, RCA. Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA) The Royal Canadian Horse Artillery is the name given to the regular field artillery units of the Canadian Army. RCHA units are the senior units of the Canadian land field force, with a history dating back to the birth of Canada as a nation. 'A' and 'B' Batteries of Garrison Artillery were formed as the first units of Canada's permanent military force in 1871 in Kingston and Quebec City respectively, with a third ('C' Battery) authorized in 1883 and formed in 1887 in Esquimalt. These bore the name of the Regiment of Canadian Artillery, with the Royal Canadian Artillery being formed as the militia element in 1895. In 1905, to distinguish between the regular force and militia, the regulars were given the title Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) (French: Commandement des Forces d'opérations spéciales du Canada; COMFOSCAN), is a command of the Canadian Forces. It is responsible for all special forces operations that are capable of responding to terrorism and threats to Canadians and Canadian interests around the world. CANSOFCOM is composed of: · Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2) - Dwyer Hill Training Centre, Ottawa · Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) - CFB Petawawa · 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS)- CFB Petawawa · Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) - CFB Kingston and Trenton · Task Force Arrowhead (2011) CANSOFCOM is capable of operating as an independent formation but its primary focus is to generate Special Operations Forces (SOF) elements to support Canada Command (Canada COM) and the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM). Integrating special operations forces in this manner increases their impact in operations, as well as the range of options available to the government in the deployment of the Canadian Forces. CANSOFCOM core tasks are as follows: to provide the Canadian Forces with a capacity to prevent and react to terrorism in all environments, to provide the CF with a capability to perform other missions as directed by the Government of Canada, such as direct action (DA), special reconnaissance (SR), defence diplomacy and military assistance (DDMA), as well as special humanitarian assistance (such as the evacuation of non-combatants) Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) (French: Deuxième Force opérationnelle interarmées) is an elite Special Operations Force of the Canadian Armed Forces primarily tasked with counter-terrorism operations. JTF2 together with the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR), 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS), and the Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) form the operational elements of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. Much of the information regarding Joint Task Force 2 is highly classified, and is not commented on by either the Government of Canada or the Department of National Defence on the unit’s capabilities, organization, and operational missions. Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) The Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) (French : Régiment d'opérations spéciales du Canada) is a battalion-sized, high-readiness special operations unit part of CANSOFCOM. CSOR is capable of conducting and enabling a broad range of missions, including Direct Action (DA), Defence Diplomacy and Military Assistance (DDMA), Special Reconnaissance (SR) and Domestic Counter Terrorism (Dom CT). CSOR personnel are intelligent, physically fit, and possess a host of skills that enable them to operate effectively in challenging environments. CSOR is internationally recognized for being an innovative, cutting-edge special operations force 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS) 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS) is a tactical helicopter unit that provides aviation support to Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. The squadron is based at CFB Petawawa, Ontario with a fleet of Bell CH-146 Griffon helicopters. 427 started as a bomber squadron formed at Croft, England on 7 November 1942 and spent its wartime entirely in England as a part of No. 6 Group RCAF, RAF Bomber Command. 427 flew Vickers Wellington Mk IIIs and Mk Xs from its first operational mission on 14 December 1942, a minelaying sortie to the Frisian Islands, until May of 1943 when it was relocated to Leeming, North Yorkshire. 1 February 2006 saw command of 427 transferred to Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, as it took on a full-time role of special operations aviation support. Shortly thereafter, it was renamed as, "427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (SOAS)." Unlike the 160th SOAR (US Army), there are no specialized standards (in the "Special Operations context") for any 427 SOAS members unlike the other units in CANSOFCOM - JTF 2, CSOR and CJIRU and entrance into 427 SOAS requires only "negotiations through Career Managers and losing units. Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) The Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit of the Canadian Forces was created "to provide timely and agile broad-based CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) support to the Government of Canada in order to prevent, control and mitigate CBRN threats to Canada, Canadians and Canadian interests." It is a sub-unit of the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Company, which in turn forms part of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. Subsequent to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the Chief Review Services Report on Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence of the same year, it became evident that the Canadian Forces needed to increase the breadth of its NBCD capabilities. The federal government, under then-Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, allotted $30 million in the December 2001 budget to enhance this capability and create the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Company (JNBCD Coy). In September 2007 the CJIRU was created as the rapid deployment response team of the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Company (JNBCD Coy) due to the company's vast operational capabilities, duties and responsibilities. Due to the requirement for rapid deployment of the unit, CJIRU is based alongside airlift assets at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario. The JNBCD Coy Headquarters is located at CFB Kingston, Ontario. Canadian Military Engineers (CME) The Canadian Military Engineers (CME) is the military engineer branch of the Canadian Forces. The mission of the Canadian Military Engineers is to contribute to the survival, mobility, and combat effectiveness of the Canadian Forces. Their roles are to conduct combat operations, support the Canadian Forces in war and peace, support national development, provide assistance to civil authorities, and support international aid programs. Military engineers’ responsibilities encompass the use of demolitions and land mines, the design, construction and maintenance of defensive works and fortifications, urban operations (hostile room entry), breaching obstacles, establishing/maintaining lines of communication, and bridging. They also provide water, power and other utilities, provide fire, aircraft crash and rescue services, hazardous material operations, and develop maps and other engineering intelligence. In addition, military engineers are experts in deception and concealment, as well as in the design and development of equipment necessary to carry out these operations. The official role of the Combat Engineer is to allow friendly troops to live, move and fight on the battlefield and deny that to the enemy. Canadian Forces Military Police The Canadian Forces Military Police provide military police services to the Canadian Forces. Canadian Military Police are unusual in that they are classified as Peace Officers in the Criminal Code of Canada, which gives them the same powers as civilian law enforcement personnel to enforce Acts of Parliament on DND property or in relation to DND property anywhere in the world. They have the power to arrest anyone who is subject to the Code of Service Discipline (CDS), regardless of position or rank under the National Defence Act. MPs have the power to arrest non-CDS bound civilians only in cases where a crime is committed on or in relation to DND property, or at the request of the Minister of Public Safety, Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada or Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Although MP jurisdiction is on military establishments across Canada and throughout the world, any civilian accessing these areas falls under MP jurisdiction and are dealt with in the same manner as any civilian policing agency. If in fact a crime is committed on or in relation to DND property, CFMP have the power to arrest and charge the offender, military or civilian, on or off DND property. It is important to note though that the purpose of the CFMP is not to replace the job of a civilian police officer, but rather to support the Canadian Forces through security and policing services. Communications and Electronics (C&E) The Communications and Electronics (C&E) Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). Major Wallace Bruce Matthews Carruthers (13 February 1863 - 21 October 1910) was the founder of the Canadian Signalling Corps, forerunner of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals and the Communications and Electronics Branch of the Canadian Forces. The Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics(CFSCEE) in Kingston, Ontario was founded in 1937. Initially, CFSCEE provided training in Communications and Electronics in Canadian Army and now in the Canadian Forces. The last "E" was dropped in recent times, and is now called CFSCE. CFSCE provides basic, intermediate and advanced training to military personnel in the field of Communications and Electronics Canadian Forces Medical Service (CFMS) The Canadian Forces Medical Service (CFMS) provides medical support for the Canadian Forces (CF) both at home and abroad. It is also a personnel branch of the CF. The CFMS along with the Canadian Forces Dental Service (CFDS) form the Canadian Forces Health Services Group (CF H Svcs Gp). The branch has its origins in the Dominion government's 1885 response to the North-West Rebellion, with the appointment of Canada's first Surgeon General, Doctor Darby Bergin of Cornwall, Ontario, and the mobilization of two field hospitals. It suffered significant budgetary cutbacks after the 1994 Broadbent Report following the end of the Cold War, with three of its six military hospitals being closed. More of the CFMS History can be found at the CF Health Services web site. Former Colonel in Chief was Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (mother of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II). The current Colonel in Chief is Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (daughter of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince Phillip) Canadian Forces Intelligence Branch The Intelligence (Int) Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF) that is concerned with providing relevant and correct information to enable commanders to make decisions. The Intelligence Branch of the Canadian Forces works in a variety of challenging positions, at home and abroad, meeting the needs of commanders and operational planners of the Canadian Forces at all levels and in all environments, be it on overseas missions like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Somalia, Rwanda, East Timor, and Afghanistan, or at home like the ice storms in Quebec, floods in Winnipeg, and fires in British Columbia. Army intelligence reservists, employed at 6 Intelligence Company (Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg), 2 Intelligence Company (Toronto) and 2 Intelligence Platoon (Ottawa), 4 Intelligence Company (platoons in Montreal and Quebec City), 3 Intelligence Company (Halifax, Nova Scotia), make a vital contribution to this effort while in garrison or deployed on overseas missions. Canadian Forces Logistics Branch The Logistics (Log) Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). When the Army, Royal Canadian Navy, and Royal Canadian Air Force were merged in 1968 to form the Canadian Forces, the administrative Corps of the Army were deactivated and merged with their Naval and Air Force counterparts to form the Canadian Forces' personnel branches. The Royal Canadian Army Service Corps transport and supply elements were combined with the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps to form the Logistics Branch The Royal Canadian Postal Corps, Royal Canadian Army Service Corps clerical trades, and Royal Canadian Army Pay Corps were merged to form the Administration Branch (later merged with the Logistics Branch). In April 2007, the CF Armed Forces Council decided to incorporate the Personnel Selection Branch into the Logistics branch. Canadian Forces Legal Branch The Legal Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). It primarily deals with the Canadian Forces' legal affairs. The Military Law Centre on the grounds of the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario which is staffed with nine military lawyers, oversees the education of officers and troops in legal matters ranging from the Forces' own code of conduct to the laws of war. It trains military lawyers and advises Ottawa on matters of policy and doctrine. The centre integrates legal education into the regular training that Forces members undergo and establishes its growing importance within the military hierarchy. Personnel Selection Branch The Personnel Selection Branch is a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces (CF). The Personnel Selection branch was created in the Canadian Army on 18 September 1941. Later on the Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy followed suit. Officers of the Personnel Selection (PSEL) branch provide behavioural science services to enable the Canadian Forces (CF) to effectively assess, acquire, integrate, and maintain personnel for operational and support roles. The primary tasks of a Personnel Selection Officer (PSO) require the application of professional behavioural science knowledge and procedures in the assessment of people and human factors that affect working relationships. Through interviews, psychological testing, and other sources of information, PSOs assess the suitability of individuals for military service and recommend subsequent assignment to an appropriate military occupation for training. They also assess and recommend the suitability of military personnel for special training or employment. In April 2007, the CF Armed Forces Council decided to incorporate the Personnel Selection Branch into the Logistics branch. Canadian Defence Academy (CDA) The Canadian Defence Academy is an organization located within the Canadian Forces created in 2000. The academy is situated within the Military Personnel Command. CDA is comprised several training institutes such as the Royal Military College of Canada and the Royal Military College Saint-Jean. Royal Canadian Regiment (The RCR) The Royal Canadian Regiment (The RCR) is an infantry regiment of the Canadian Forces. The regiment consists of four battalions, three in the Regular Force and one in the Primary Reserve (militia). The RCR is the senior infantry regiment in the Regular Force, but its 4th Battalion (formerly the London and Oxford Fusiliers) is ranked 11th in the order of precedence among infantry regiments in the Primary Reserve. The regiment's four battalions are stationed in Ontario and New Brunswick. With many of its soldiers drawn from Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces in recent decades, the regiment maintains a general connection as the "local" infantry regiment for eastern Canada. The RCR maintains a Regimental Headquarters (RHQ) in Petawawa, Ontario, which has no operational command role but handles regimental affairs outside the responsibility of the individual Battalions. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum is located within historic Wolseley Hall in London, Ontario. Wolseley Barracks in London has been continuously occupied by some element of the regiment since construction of Wolseley Hall was completed in 1888. At various times Wolseley Barracks has been the home of the 1st and 2nd Battalions, and remains the home of the 4th Battalion today. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI, generally referred to as Patricia's) is one of the three main infantry regiments of the Canadian Forces (CF). It is one of the most decorated regiments in Canada. The regiment is composed of four battalions including a primary reserve battalion, for a total of 2,000 soldiers. The PPCLI is the main lodger unit of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton in Alberta and CFB Shilo in Manitoba, and belongs to the Land Force Western Area; as such it is the "local" regular infantry regiment for much of western and Pacific Canada. The Loyal Edmonton Regiment is the reserve battalion of the regiment and carries the designation '4th Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry'. The regiment is not an operational structure, but rather a protocolary one. The four battalions are thus operational entities, under the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group for the Regular Force and the 41 Canadian Brigade Group for the Primary Reserve. Although the regiment carries the designation of 'Light Infantry', two of its battalions are mechanized infantry, and the unit has never been organized as a traditional light infantry regiment. The PPCLI was raised on the initiative of Captain Andrew Hamilton Gault in 1914, to participate in the Canadian war effort for the First World War. It was the first Canadian infantry unit to enter the theatre of operations, arriving in France on December 21, 1914. The regiment has also participated in the Second World War, the Korean War and the War in Afghanistan, as well as in numerous NATO operations and UN peacekeeping missions. The regiment has received 39 battle honours, two mentions of the Commander-in-Chief and the United States Presidential Unit Citation. Royal 22e Régiment The Royal 22e Régiment is an infantry regiment and the most famous francophone organization of the Canadian Forces. The regiment comprises three Regular Force battalions, two Primary Reserve battalions, and a band, making it the largest regiment in the Canadian Army. The ceremonial home of the regiment is La Citadelle in Quebec City, where the regimental museum is housed. The regiment is nicknamed the Van Doos, an anglicized mispronunciation of vingt-deux ("twenty-two" in French.) The regiment's regimental headquarters is located in Quebec City, with all three of its regular battalions stationed at various bases in the province of Quebec. The regiment serves as the "local" infantry regiment for Quebec. Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) is an armoured regiment of the Canadian Army. It is one of three armoured regiments in the Regular Force and forms part of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. The Royal Canadian Dragoons is the most senior cavalry regiment in Canada, having been formed on December 21, 1883, 3:03 pm, as the Cavalry School Corps, as a result of the Militia Act of 1883, which also created the Infantry School Corps (now The Royal Canadian Regiment). The Militia Act of 1883 emphasized the need for a fully trained army to defend Canada, as its defences had been pierced during the Fenian raids. In 1887 it was renamed the Royal School of Cavalry. In 1892 the regiment was renamed as the Canadian Dragoons and in 1893 it became The Royal Canadian Dragoons. It served in the North-West campaign of 1885, the Second Boer War, First World War, Second World War, past peacekeeping (such as Somalia, Korea, and Kosovo among others) and Afghanistan with distinction. The regiment currently serves as part of Land Force Central Area's 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group based at CFB Petawawa, Ontario, and is a dedicated reconnaissance regiment. It converted to this role in April 2003, and was equipped solely with Coyote light armoured reconnaissance vehicles. In late 2006 the regiment was once again equipped with the Leopard tank. In March 2007, a Tank Troop was stood up and prepared to deploy to Afghanistan with the Leopard 2A6M. C Squadron was reformed and stationed in CFB Gagetown with the promise of tank capability in 2012. Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH [RC]) Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH [RC]) is a regular armoured regiment of the Canadian Forces. Currently based in Edmonton, Alberta, the regiment is part of Land Force Western Area's 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. When deployed overseas, however, the regiment is placed in ad hoc formations that report directly to National Defence Headquarters and not to 1 CMBG. Members of the regiment are commonly called Strathconas or Strats as a short form. The regiment is currently composed of a regimental headquarters and five primary squadrons: A, B, C, Reconnaissance ('Recce') and Headquarters. In September 2006, B Squadron deployed to Afghanistan using the Leopard C2, the first NATO deployment of main battle tanks (MBTs) to Afghanistan. Currently, one Squadron is deployed as part of the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (1 PPCLI) Battle Group. Each year the squadron that distinguishes itself with the highest efficiency rating in the Regiment earns the title "Prince of Wales Squadron" for the year. The regiment has seven affiliated cadet corps in Alberta and British Columbia. The main vehicles operated by Lord Strathcona's Horse are the Leopard tank and the Coyote Reconnaissance Vehicle. Due to a change in Canadian army doctrine in the early 2000s away from heavy armour to more infantry-centred operations, Lord Strathcona's Horse was for several years the only regular armoured regiment to operate MBTs. This was until the 2006 announcement that the Royal Canadian Dragoons would be re-equipped with a squadron of Leopards. The regimental motto is Perseverance. 12th Armoured Regiment of Canada The 12e Régiment blindé du Canada (12th Armoured Regiment of Canada) is a Canadian Forces armoured regiment based in CFB Valcartier, on the outskirts of Quebec City. The regiment has both Regular Force and Primary Reserve components. The 12e Régiment blindé du Canada's abbreviation is 12e RBC. Both the regular and militia regiments serve mainly in the armoured reconnaissance role but a squadron of tanks is now being formed out of Valcartier. origins are in The Three Rivers Regiment, a militia (Reserve Force) regiment based in Trois-Rivières, a town halfway between Montreal and Quebec City. Originally formed in 1871 as the 178th provisional battalion of Infantry and after many name changes, became the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada in 1968. This was a new Regular Force regiment which was created in Valcartier, while a militia unit was left in Trois-Rivières under the name 12e Régiment blindé du Canada (Milice). The number in the regimental title commemorates The Three Rivers Regiment's order of battle during the Second World War: 12th Canadian Armoured Regiment (The Three Rivers Regiment). The Canadian Army traditionally avoided having city or region names in the titles of its Regular Force regiments; this was likely the reason for the 1960s name change (additionally, the name of the unit used English spelling for a French city.) British Columbia Dragoons (BCD) The British Columbia Dragoons (BCD) is a Primary Reserve armoured reconnaissance regiment of the Canadian Forces. It is based in Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton, British Columbia. The British Columbia Dragoons are part of Land Force Western Area's 39 Canadian Brigade Group. The British Columbia Dragoons trace their origins to the formation of the Canadian Mounted Rifles, two independent squadrons of horse in Kamloops and Vernon in 1908. In 1910 two additional squadrons were raised and the regiment was renamed the British Columbia Horse. In 1912 the unit was renamed again as the 30th Regiment, British Columbia Horse. 1914 saw the formation of the Victoria Independent Squadron on Vancouver Island. 1st Hussars The 1st Hussars is an armoured Primary Reserve regiment of the Canadian Forces, currently based in London, Ontario and Sarnia, Ontario. The 1st Hussars traces its roots to the formation of the St. Thomas Troop of Volunteer Militia Cavalry in March 1856 and the First Troop of Volunteer Militia Cavalry of London in July of the same year. In 1863, these units were redesignated the St. Thomas Troop of Cavalry and the London Troop of Cavalry, respectively. Both troops were put on active duty in southwestern Ontario in response to the Fenian raid of 1866, but neither had contact with the invading forces. Despite "1st" in the title, the regiment is not the most senior armoured unit. With the militia reorganization of 1872, the senior or only cavalry regiment within a Militia District adopted the numerical designation of that district. Southwestern Ontario comprised Military District No. 1, hence the original designation as the 1st Regiment of Cavalry. The unit was renamed 1st Hussars in 1892 and because a British mounted unit numbered "1" never existed, it was unnecessary to add a 'Canada' or 'Canadian' modifier. Following the Second World War, because of wartime and earlier conversion to armour of some more senior infantry regiments, the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps decided that seniority would be determined by date of birth, regardless of the Corps in which the unit was raised. Regular Force regiments take precedence, and seniority among themselves by date of birth. 1st Hussars is placed seventh in the order of seniority of militia armoured regiments. The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) (RCAC) is a Primary Reserve armoured reconnaissance (recce) regiment of the Canadian Forces; the regiment is subordinate to 39 Canadian Brigade Group of Land Force Western Area. Established in 1883, it is the oldest military unit in Vancouver, British Columbia. It parades at the Beatty Street Drill Hall at the corner of Dunsmuir and Beatty in Downtown Vancouver. The regiment has been variously designated as garrison artillery, rifles, infantry, and armoured, but has been reconnaissance since 1965. It has received forty battle honours in its history, and has been a formation of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps since 1942. On 1 June 1866, the Seymour Artillery Company was formed at New Westminster, British Columbia in preparation for Fenian raids. Irish nationalists had landed in San Francisco and were attempting to sail north to launch an attack on the British Empire. Many of the recruits had been members of the Royal Engineers detachment that established New Westminster as the capital of the new colony and built roads and surveyed the area under Captain Richard Moody. That detachment was disbanded in 1863, but most chose to stay and settle in the area, and subsequently enlisted when the call was made. The Fenian raid on BC never happened, but the nucleus of the British Columbia Regiment was in place. Fort Garry Horse The Fort Garry Horse is a Canadian Army Reserve Armoured Regiment based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is currently part of Land Force Western Area's 38 Canadian Brigade Group. The regiment was formed in 1912, as the 34th Regiment of Cavalry. In 1913 it was renamed 34th Fort Garry Horse. In 1914, a new armory was specially built on Maryland Street in Winnipeg. In the First World War, volunteers from the regiment helped form the 6th Battalion, CEF, later Canadian Cavalry Depot, then later The Fort Garry Horse for active service in France. In 1949 the regiment was renamed The Fort Garry Horse (10th Armoured Regiment). In 1958 a Regular Force component, 1st Fort Garry Horse was formed the Militia was titled 2nd Fort Garry Horse. The titles were changed shortly afterward to The Fort Garry Horse and The Fort Garry Horse (M). In 1970 the Regular Force component was disbanded and the Militia regiment retained the title The Fort Garry Horse. In 2003, the regiment began hosting personnel to help create a new unit of the Canadian Military Engineers. It is planned that these personnel will eventually form 31 Field Engineer Squadron. The engineers in this unit have the distinction of being the only reservists in Canada to wear the black beret of the Armoured Corps with the cap badge of the Canadian Military Engineers.

U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff & Army Staff Insignia were always at the top of my “Military Insignia 3D” project’s to-do list. However, since those were amongst the most stunning-looking insignia of the U.S. military heraldry, I was keeping them on the back-burner until I felt that my techniques evolved far enough to tackle these badges. A good analogy would be what happened to George Lucas was with his first episodes of Star Wars. The major challenges were presented by flowing textures of gold, silver and black metal in my earlier arsenal, which I thought were not good enough at the time. Until now, that is. At certain point I felt that I have finally developed all the necessary tools. You be the judge. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters. The composition of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is defined by statute and consists of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (VCJCS), and the Military Service Chiefs from the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Marine Corps, all appointed by the President following Senate confirmation. Each of the individual Military Service Chiefs, outside of their Joint Chiefs of Staff obligations, works directly for the Secretary of the Military Department concerned, i.e. Secretary of the Army, Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of the Air Force. Following the Goldwater-Nichols Act in 1986 the Joint Chiefs of Staff do not have operational command authority, neither individually nor collectively, as the chain of command goes from the President to the Secretary of Defense, and from the Secretary of Defense to the Commanders of the Combatant Commands. Goldwater-Nichols also created the office of Vice Chairman, and the Chairman is now designated as the principal military adviser to the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and to the President. The Joint Staff (JS) is a headquarters staff in the Pentagon, composed of personnel from all the four services, that assists the Chairman and the Vice Chairman in discharging their responsibilities and is managed by the Director of the Joint Staff (DJS) who is a Lieutenant General or Vice Admiral. Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, presented here, consists of an oval silver metal wreath of laurel, symbolic of achievement, courage, and victory. The four unsheathed swords refer to the armed might of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps and their combined constant vigilance and readiness in the defense of the United States. General Staff Branch Insignia A military staff, often referred to as General Staff, Army Staff, Navy Staff or Air Staff within the individual services, is a group of officers and enlisted personnel that provides a bi-directional flow of information between a commanding officer and subordinate military units. A staff also provides an executive function which filters information needed by the commander, or shunts unnecessary information to a more appropriate tasker, handling the matter which would be an unnecessary distraction for the Commanding Officer at a more appropriate level. On February 14, 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt signed “An Act to Increase the efficiency of the Army” and four days later the Headquarters of the Army published it as General Orders Number 15. The brief act did five things. First Congress established a General Staff Corps. Second it defined the General Staff Corps duties. Third it severely limited the composition of the Corps from the Chief of Staff down to 20 captains or first lieutenants on a four-year detail. Next it provided that the Chief of Staff would supervise the various staff departments enumerated and lastly the act made the recently created Chief of Artillery an additional member of the General Staff. On 17 June 1904, the Chief of Staff of the Army, Lieutenant General Chaffee, approved the design of the General Staff insignia to take effect 1 July 1904. The device has been in continual use since that date. The insignia was originally worn only by officers, in the grade of captain and above, detailed to the General Staff Corps. Authority for its wear was later extended to officers detailed to General Staff Corps with troops. At the time the Department of the Army was established as the legal successor to the War Department, the word "Corps" in the title of branch officers detailed to the General Staff Corps was dropped. The device is now worn by officers detailed in orders to the Army General Staff and to General Staff with troops. The star is symbolic of the highest level in the Army, and the Arms of the United States allude to the mission of the General Staff which is the exercise General Staff supervision over the management of the land forces of the United States. Army Staff Identification Badge The Army Staff Identification Badge is a badge of the United States Army worn by personnel who serve at the Office of the Secretary of the Army and the Army Staff at Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) and its agencies. Neither an award nor a decoration, the badge is a distinguishing emblem of service. Initially issued as a temporary badge, officers and enlisted personnel demonstrating outstanding performance of duty and meeting all eligibility requirements can be processed after one complete year (365 days cumulative) of assignment and receive a certificate authorizing permanent wear of the badge. General Douglas MacArthur first proposed an Army General Staff Badge in 1931, but it was not until 1933 that the United States War Department authorized it. The badge has remained unchanged in appearance since it was first created, but the name was changed in 1982 from the Army General Staff Identification Badge to the Army Staff Identification Badge, and the eligibility criteria have evolved. On a United States Army uniform, the Army Staff Identification Badge is worn centered on the right breast pocket. A similar Army Staff Lapel Pin is authorized for civilian employees of the Department of the Army, regardless of grade, who fill an eligible position in an HQDA agency for no less than one year. The badge is based on the General Staff insignia with a black star in lieu of the Silver Star. The addition of the laurel leaves indicate achievement. The Coat of Arms of the United States in gold with the stripes of the shield to be enameled white and red and chief of the shield and the sky of the glory to be enameled blue, superimposed on a five-pointed black enameled star; in each reentrant angle of the star are three green enameled laurel leaves. The star is 3 inches (7.62 cm) in diameter for the Chief of Staff and former Chiefs of Staff and 2 inches (5.08 cm) in diameter for all other personnel awarded the badge. A miniature badge with 7 stripes in the chief instead of 13 stripes and 1 1/2 inches (3.81 cm) in diameter was authorized on 23 June 1989. As always, the above insignia are available on a limited number of selected quality products via my “Military Insignia” galleries at Zazzle. You may simply follow the direct links in the article to navigate to the corresponding galleries I will also make my insignia designs available free of charge to any military units and personnel, for any non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families. In addition, I would make my designs available free of charge to any military branches, formations and units for any non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit-related web design, training materials or presentations, as I did on many occasions in the past. The above information provided in part by Wikipedia, The Institute of Heraldry, Global Security.

[Edited on Sept. 24, 2014] This collection of US Navy SEAL insignia was in the works for quite some time, as a part of my “Military Insignia 3D” project. One of the first SEAL patches was the original SEAL Team Six patch, which I created in the wake of successful “Operation Neptune Spear”, a well-known kill-or-capture mission with Osama bin Laden as a main target. The first version of the patch can be seen here. Since then I have substantially improved my techniques, most notably – creating cloth patches with simulated fabric textures. So, when the time came for my “Navy SEAL Teams” collection, I have created a new version of ST-6 patch, which can be seen below. Here you will also find a re-make of my Navy SEAL badge, its full-gold version, to be exact, as well as latest versions of NSWC and DEVGRU emblems. While working on this particular collection, I decided to focus of the early original versions of the SEAL Team patches, which also happen to be the most renowned ones. At the same time, I have another collection in the works, which will showcase a number of lesser-known and obscure SEAL Team patches. Stay tuned. In the meantime, the “Navy SEAL Teams” collection is finally complete, and readers of this blog will be the first ones to see it in its entirety. Stay tuned for my next project - Naval Special Warfare Groups insignia collection, as well as less know SEAL Team patches from “Military Insignia 3D”… The United States Navy SEa, Air and Land (SEAL) Teams, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy's principal special operations force and is a part of the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) as well as the maritime component of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Navy SEALs can trace their roots to the Second World War. The United States Navy recognized the need for the covert reconnaissance of landing beaches and coastal defenses. As a result, the Amphibious Scout and Raider School was established in 1942 at Fort Pierce, Florida. The unit's acronym ("SEAL") is derived from their capacity to operate at sea, in the air, and on land – but it is their ability to work underwater that separates SEALs from most other military units in the world. The experience gained from operating in the ocean and freshwater battlefields has shaped their identity and, as a result, they are regarded as being amongst the most highly skilled and trained amphibious units in the world. Navy SEALs are trained and have been deployed in a wide variety of missions, including direct action and special reconnaissance operations, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, and other missions. Without exception, all SEALs are male members of either the United States Navy or the United States Marine Corps. The CIA's highly secretive Special Activities Division (SAD) and more specifically its elite Special Operations Group (SOG) often recruit operators from the SEAL Teams. Joint Navy SEALs and CIA operations go back to the famed MACV-SOG during the Vietnam War. This cooperation still exists today and is seen in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in the finding and killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. SEAL training is extremely rigorous, having a reputation as some of the toughest anywhere in the world. The dropout rate for BUDs classes are sometimes over 90 percent. The average Navy SEAL spends over a year in a series of formal training environments before being awarded the Special Warfare Operator Naval Rating and the Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) 5326 Combatant Swimmer (SEAL) or, in the case of commissioned naval officers, the designation Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) Officer. SEAL Teams are organized into two groups: Naval Special Warfare Group One (West Coast), and Naval Special Warfare Group Two (East Coast), which come under the command of Naval Special Warfare Command, stationed at NAB Coronado, California. Currently, there are nine confirmed Navy SEAL Teams. The key word here is "confirmed", because there is a number of teams, existence and names of which is a closely guarded secret. The original SEAL Teams in the Vietnam War were separated between West Coast (Team ONE) and East Coast (Team TWO) SEALs. The current SEAL Team deployments include Teams 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10. Team 6 is no longer identified by this name. The Teams deploy as Naval Special Warfare Squadrons or Special Operations Task Forces and can deploy anywhere in the world. Squadrons will normally be deployed and fall under a Joint Task Force (JTF) or a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) as a Special Operations Task Force (SOTF). Each SEAL Team is commanded by a Navy Commander (O-5), and has a number of operational SEAL platoons and a headquarters element. A SEAL Team has a Staff Headquarters element and three 40-man Troops. Each Troop consist of a Headquarters element consisting of a Troop Commander, typically a Lieutenant Commander (O-4), a Troop Senior Enlisted (E-8), a Targeting/Operations Officer (O-2/3) and a Targeting/Operations Leading/Chief Petty Officer (E-6/7). Under the HQ element are two SEAL platoons of 16–20 men (two officers, 14–16 enlisted SEALs, and sometimes two enlisted EOD Operators); a company-sized Combat Service Support (CSS) and/or Combat Support (CS) consisting of staff N-codes (the Army and Marine Corps use S-codes); N1 Administrative support, N2 Intelligence, N3 Operations, N4 Logistics, N5 Plans and Targeting, N6 Communications, N7 Training, and N8 Air/Medical. Each Troop can be easily task organized into four squads of eight 4–5 man fire teams for operational purposes. The size of each SEAL “Team” with Troops and support staff is approximately 300 personnel. The typical SEAL platoon has an OIC (Officer in Charge, usually a Lieutenant (O-3), an AOIC (Assistant Officer in Charge, usually a Lieutenant (junior grade), O-2), a platoon chief (E-7), an Operations NCO/LPO (Leading Petty Officer, E-6) and other operators E-4 to E-6. The core leadership in the Troop and Platoon are the Commander/OIC and the Senior Enlisted NCO (Senior Chief/Chief). Troop core skills consist of: Sniper, Breacher, Communicator, Maritime/Engineering, Close Air Support, Corpsman, Point-man/Navigator, Primary Driver/Navigator (Rural/Urban/Protective Security), Heavy Weapons Operator, Sensitive Site Exploitation, Air Operations Master, Lead Climber, Lead Diver/Navigator, Interrogator, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Technical Surveillance, and Advanced Special Operations. Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, a naval base in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is home to SEAL Teams 2, 4, 8, and 10. Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, a naval base in Coronado, California, is home to SEAL Teams 1, 3, 5, and 7. There is also a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) unit, SDVT-1, located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. SDVT-2 was based in Virginia; it was disestablished and merged into SDVT-1. SDV Teams are SEAL teams with an added underwater delivery capability. An SDV platoon consists of 12–15 SEALs. Naval Special Warfare Group ONE (NSWG-1) Naval Special Warfare Group ONE is located at NAB Coronado, CA. Naval Special Warfare Groups (NSWG) are echelon II Captain (O6) major commands established by NAVSPECWARCOM to equip, support, and provide command and control elements and trained and ready SEAL and SDV platoons and forces to the geographic CINCs. NSW Groups ONE and TWO are organized into: • Three SEAL Teams, comprised of eight 16-man platoons, which conduct reconnaissance, DA, UW, FID, and other operations in maritime or riverine environments; • One SDV Team which operates and maintains submersible systems that deliver and recover SEALs in hostile areas and conduct reconnaissance and DA missions; and • NSW Units, which are small command and control elements located outside the continental United States, support other NSW forces assigned to theater SOCs or components of naval task forces. Naval Special Warfare Group ONE (NSWG 1) in Coronado, California, is one of the six major operational components of the Naval Special Warfare Command. It is commanded by a Navy Captain (O-6). NSWG 1 has under its operational and administrative control, SEAL Team ONE, SEAL Team THREE, SEAL Team FIVE, and SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE. Administrative control of NSWU-1 AND NSWU-3 is with Naval Special Warfare Group ONE. The group deploys Naval Special Warfare forces worldwide to meet the training, exercise, contingency, and wartime requirements of the theater Commanders. Naval Special Warfare Group ONE is capable of task-organizing to support worldwide commitments as a deployed Naval Special Warfare Task Group (NSWTG), as they did during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. NSWG1 geographically concentrates on the Pacific and Central Commands areas of responsibility. • NSW Unit ONE (NSWU-1) • NSW Unit THREE (NSWU-3) • SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE (SDVT-1) • SEAL Team ONE (ST-1) • SEAL Team THREE (ST-3) • SEAL Team FIVE (ST-5) • Mobile Communications Team (MCT) • Logistics & Support Unit Naval Special Warfare Group TWO (NSWG-2) Naval Special Warfare Group TWO is located at NAB Little Creek, VA. Naval Special Warfare Groups (NSWG) are echelon II Captain (O6) major commands established by NAVSPECWARCOM to equip, support, and provide command and control elements and trained and ready SEAL and SDV platoons and forces to the geographic CINCs. NSW Groups ONE and TWO are organized into: • Three SEAL Teams, comprised of eight 16-man platoons, which conduct reconnaissance, DA, UW, FID, and other operations in maritime or riverine environments; • One SDV Team which operates and maintains submersible systems that deliver and recover SEALs in hostile areas and conduct reconnaissance and DA missions; and • NSW Units, which are small command and control elements located outside the continental United States, support other NSW forces assigned to theater SOCs or components of naval task forces. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO (NSWG-2), located in Little Creek, VA, is the one of the six major operational components of the Naval Special Warfare Command. NSWG-2 is commanded by a Navy Captain (O-6). NSWG-2 has under its operational and administrative control, SEAL Team TWO, SEAL Team FOUR, SEAL Team EIGHT, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team TWO, Naval Special Warfare Unit FOUR and Naval Special Warfare Unit TEN. Administrative control of Naval Special Warfare Unit TWO and Naval Special Warfare Unit EIGHT is with Naval Special Warfare Group TWO. The group deploys Naval Special Warfare forces worldwide to meet training, exercise, contingency, and wartime requirements of the theater Commanders. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO is capable of task organizing to support worldwide commitments as a deployed Naval Special Warfare Task Group, NSWTG, as they did during Operation JUST CAUSE. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO geographically concentrates on the Atlantic, Europe and Southern Command areas of responsibility. Subordinate Units: • NSW Unit TWO (NSWU-2) • NSW Unit FOUR (NSWU-4) • NSW Unit TEN (NSWU-10) • RM Poole • SEAL Team TWO (ST-2) • SEAL Team FOUR (ST-4) • SEAL Team EIGHT (ST-8) • Logistics & Support Unit Naval Special Warfare Group THREE (NSWG-3) Naval Special Warfare Group 3 (NSWG-3), based at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in California, is one of six constituent formations of the United States Naval Special Warfare Command. Until 2008, NSWG-3 was composed of two SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams: SDVT-1 in Pearl Harbor and SDVT-2 in Little Creek. In 2008, SDVT-2 was disestablished and merged into SDVT-1, which is now headquartered in San Diego and operates detachments in Pearl Harbor and Little Creek. SDV Teams are SEAL teams with an added underwater delivery capability. An SDV platoon consists of 12-15 SEALs. SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1) is commanded by a Navy Commander (O-5). The table of equipment for the unit includes three operational SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDV) and a Dry Deck Shelter (DDS). The normal table of organization includes three task units and a headquarters element. Each SDV Task Unit operates independently from a host submarine in the conduct of Naval Special Warfare missions. SDV Task Units typically deploy aboard host submarines, but may be deployed from shore or surface ships. SDVT-1 conducts operations throughout the Pacific Command's and Central Command's geographic areas of responsibility. SDVT-2 was disestablished on 8 August, 2008, and merged with SDVT-1. Formerly consisting of 28 navy divers in the command in addition to SEALs and SDV technicians, SDVT-2 was reportedly replaced by a small Dry Deck Shelter detachment. NSWG-3 is the organization tasked with developing expertise in deploying Naval Special Warfare assets from submarines. Current non-classified methods of deployment include the SEAL Delivery Vehicle, Dry Deck Shelter and Advanced SEAL Delivery System. Naval Special Warfare Group FOUR (NSWG-4) The Naval Special Warfare Group-4 (NSWG-4), was established Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW-21 Restructure Force changes. the Group is located at Little Creek, Naval Amphibious Base in Va. She is subordinate to US SOCOM and Naval Special Warfare Command. NSWG-4's subordinate units are Special Boat Teams 12, 20, and 22. NSWG-4 is tasked to organize, equip and train SWCC crews to assigned combatant craft at the Special Boat Teams to support Naval Special Warfare. The Group is responsible for the development and testing of Combatant craft and associated ordinance and equipment. NSWG-4 is also responsible for the development and evaluating operational doctrine, tactics and procedures. NSWG-4 monitors and certifies the Combat Readiness of assigned craft and SWCC. NSWG-4 Operational areas of responsibility are the World’s coastal and riverine areas. NSWG-4 is a Staff Organization, commanded by a senior SEAL Captain with many departments filled by SEALs and senior SWCC holding positions in Operations, Training and Command Master Chief. Special Boat Detachments (SBD) like its earlier historic namesakes MST-1,2, and 3 are small Spec Boat Dets. deployed from its parent Special Boat Team. The SBD will form up, train, and qualify on the combatant craft to be used. They will also receive all combat related skills, training and tactics for missions they will conduct overseas. Once the training cycle is completed the Special Boat Team training Department will conduct a Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE). NSWG-4 may also monitor the ORE. This is a realistic as possible Final Battle Problem that will test and grade all skills learned by the detachment. Once they passed the ORE the Special Boat Team and NSWG-4 will certify them ready for deployment. The SBD is then sent overseas on a Operational deployment to conduct Maritime Naval Special Warfare at the orders of the SOF In-Theater Commander The deployment is normally six months long. The SBD will normally support a SEAL Platoon, but with NSW-21 Force changes several SBDs will deploy together with a SEAL Squadron and its platoons of SEALs. The SBD normally support SEAL operations, but capable of conducting certain operations with other SOF units and Marine RECON. The Special Boat Detachments are capable of conducting certain Special Operation Missions designed for the Boats and SWCC. SBDs are on the tip of the spear when deployed, conducting, or on station to conduct "Real World" Operations. SEAL Team 1 SEAL Team 1 is based out of Coronado, California and consists of eight SEAL platoons in total. The Team is headed up by a Navy Commander and focuses its work and efforts in Southeast Asia. In short, Navy SEAL Team 1 deploys said platoons in Guam to the Naval Special Warfare Unit One. It also conducts trainings known as DFTs or Deployments and Training in both the Pacific and Central theaters. On January 1, 1962, Navy SEAL Team 1 was put into operation. The first recruits consisted of men who were already skilled in Underwater Demolition and were part of UDT Teams 11 – 12. These men were then put through a variety of other trainings throughout various military schools in order to gain the skills necessary in order to operate within jungle based terrain, which was needed at the time. Though the first SEALs who made up Navy SEAL Team 1 were used to dealing with near-shore missions, they had to learn to operate in various elements including inland travel, which is why they were put through more rigorous training than other branches of the military. Throughout the history of SEAL Team 1, two officers were commissioned to travel to Vietnam in order to determine if the newly formed Navy SEALs could be of service in the area. After this meeting two platoons from SEAL Team 1 were sent to Vietnam where they served a six month tour, wherein they were responsible for training the Vietnamese in general military operations. It is recorded in history that Navy SEAL Team 1 was ultimately responsible for an estimated one-thousand confirmed kills and nearly another 400 probable kills during this time in the Vietnam War. SEAL Team 2 Little Creek, Virginia serves as the home and headquarters for Navy SEAL Team 2, which like Navy SEAL Team 1 is led by a Navy Commander. Eight platoons in total make up the military force behind Navy SEAL Team 2. As far as Deployment and Training is concerned, Navy SEAL Team 2 focuses in Europe, wherein it sends platoons to Germany where they serve on Amphibious Ships which are deployed to fleets 2 and 6. It should be noted that Navy SEAL 2 is the only SEAL Team that has arctic warfare capabilities. This is one of the most unique traits of SEAL Team 2 that sets it apart from all others. When Navy SEAL 2 was first formed it was lead by LT. John F. Callahan and consisted almost solely of members from UDT-21. Additional statistics state that Navy SEAL 2 began with a total of ten officers and fifty general ranks. One notable Navy SEAL who served as part of Navy SEAL Team 2 is Harry Constance who joined in 1966. Within four years Harry Constance had completed 300 missions during combat in Vietnam and also captured nearly 200 enemy prisoners. Harry Constance is in fact considered to be one of the most well recognized SEALs from his time. All his endeavors resulted in 3 bronze star medals and after being wounded in battle a Purple Heart. Harry Constance was in fact idolized by the majority of men who served not only as part of Navy SEAL Team 2, but also all other Navy SEAL Teams that were in operation at the time. SEAL Team 3 Lead by a Navy Commander, Navy SEAL 3 located in Coronado, California consists of a total of eight platoons and also features a headquarters element. Navy SEAL Team 3 focuses its service in Southwest Asia. Additionally, Navy SEAL 3 deals with deployment of platoons to Guam via Naval Special Warfare Unit one. These platoons are deployed amongst the 3rd, 5th, and 7th fleets aboard various amphibious ships. The Central and Pacific Theaters are where the Deployments and Trainings (DFTs) of Navy SEAL Team 3 take place. Throughout history Navy SEAL 3 has served in numerous combat missions. In August of 1990 when Iraq took to invading Kuwait, Navy SEAL Team 3 was sent to take part in various missions in the area. Additionally, in more recent history SEAL Team 3 served in Afghanistan wherein they once again took part in various missions, where much of the time they used what are known as Desert Patrol Vehicles which have widely been associated solely with Navy SEAL Team 3. Navy SEAL Team 3 is part of Naval Special Warfare Group 1 along with Teams 1, 5, and 7. Navy SEAL Team 3 is also considered to be a West Coast Team. Navy SEAL Team 3 is a highly trained and motivated unit that provides numerous functions for the US Military. Much of what Navy SEAL Team 3 has accomplished, along with other Navy SEAL Teams is generally kept quiet. Though their successes are generally announced and have gone down in history we may never know everything that Navy SEAL 3 has accomplished for this great country. SEAL Team 4 10 operational platoons make up Navy SEAL Team 4 which is based out of Little Creek, Virginia. Navy SEAL Team 4 is headed by a Navy Commander and also features a headquarters element apart from the 10 platoons that make it whole. The focus of Navy SEAL 4 is concentrated in both South America and Central America. When it comes to basic deployment, Navy SEAL Team 4 deploys platoons to amphibious ships amongst the second fleet along Naval Special Warfare Unit Eight located in Panama. Additionally, Navy SEAL Team 4 conducts Deployments and Trainings (DFTs) in both the Central American theater and South American theater. One unique thing that sets Navy SEAL Team 4 apart from all other Navy SEAL Teams is the fact that it features a “visible standing language capability”; this language being Spanish. All other Navy SEAL Teams have a language focus of English. Navy SEAL Team 4 is part of Naval Special Warfare Group 2 along with Teams 2, 8, and 10. Navy SEAL Team 4 is also considered to be a East Coast Team. Throughout Navy SEAL history Navy SEAL Team 4 has taken part in various combat missions. In 1983 Navy SEAL Team 4 along with Navy SEAL Team 6 were sent to Grenada to provide protection for US citizens who were on the island. Team 4 was first given the “Green Light” to prepare the mission which was then given to Team 6. However, Team 4 provided much needed reconnaissance and assistance to the US Marine Corps who were focused on landing at a airfield. Team 4 is famous for their assistance and bravery in Grenada. SEAL Team 5 Under the direction of a Navy Commander Navy SEAL Team 5 consists of a headquarters element and 8 active platoons. The main focus of concentration of Navy SEAL Team 5 consists of geographic areas is the Northern Pacific. These platoons are deployed among the 3rd, 5th, and 7th fleets amongst Naval Special Warfare Unit One located in Guam. The Deployments and Trainings of Navy SEAL Team 5 take place in both the Pacific and Central Theaters. Navy SEAL Team 5 is part of Naval Special Warfare Group 1 along with Teams 1, 3, and 7. Navy SEAL Team 5 is also considered to be a West Coast Team. At various times throughout history Navy SEAL Team 5 has been called to action. Most notably in 1990, Navy SEAL Team 5 was called to service after Kuwait was invaded by Iraq. Members of SEAL Team 5 entered Kuwait along with various Navy Special Boat Units. These units made it into Kuwait before the borders were sealed off by the Iraqi’s. Throughout the siege in Kuwait Navy SEAL Team 5 executed various successful missions for the Unites States Military. No matter what Navy SEAL Team 5 is called to do they always complete their missions with the utmost professionalism and effectiveness needed by our country in times of need. They are a strong line of defense that has been heralded for their bravery and that will always be here to assist in the protection of the American people. Just as they have been there in the past, they will be here in the future to protect everything that America stands for. SEAL Team 6 The United States Navy SEALs Team Six is also known as United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) or DEVGRU. It is one of the United States' two secretive Tier One counter-terrorism and Special Mission Units (SMUs); the other such group is 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force). Most recently DEVGRU's designation had been changed by the Defense Department to a new name. However, the new name is currently classified. When SEAL Team Six was first created it was devoted exclusively to counter-terrorism with a worldwide maritime responsibility; its objectives typically included targets such as ships, oil rigs, naval bases, or other civilian or military bases that were accessible from the sea or inland waterways. DEVGRU's full mission is classified but is thought to include preemptive, pro-active counterterrorist operations, counter-proliferation (efforts to prevent the spread of both conventional weapons and weapons of mass destruction), as well as assassination or recovery of high-value targets (HVTs) from unfriendly nations. DEVGRU is one of only a handful of U.S. special mission units authorized to use preemptive actions against terrorists and their facilities. On May 1/2 2011, DEVGRU was involved in the operation “Neptune Spear “ that killed Osama bin Laden at his compound in the affluent suburb of Abottabad, Pakistan. The operation was carried out with support of other JSOC units, the Technical Application Programs Office and the Aviation Technology Evaluation Group. The raid also involved close collaboration with the CIA, the National Security Agency (NSA), and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. SEAL Team 7 SEAL Team 7 was commissioned March 2002 and is a subordinate command of Naval Special Warfare Group 1. Since its commissioning, SEAL Team 7 has made three combat deployments to both the Central and Pacific Command theatres of operation in support of the global war on terrorism. SEAL Team 7 recently returned from a six-month deployment in Iraq and the Pacific theater in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the global war on terrorism. Their actions helped increase security and stability in the Al Anbar province of Iraq and their contributions were significant in degrading the capability of terrorist organizations in Iraq and around the world. SEAL Team 8 SEAL Team 8 is based at Little Creek, VA. Commanded by a Navy Commander (O-5), it has eight operational platoons and a headquarters element. SEAL Team EIGHT’s geographic area of concentration is the Caribbean, Africa, and the Mediterranean. SEAL Team Eight deploys platoons with carrier battle groups (CVBGs) and amphibious ships in support of Second, Fifth, and Sixth Fleet commanders, and conducts DFTs throughout the Caribbean, Africa, and the Mediterranean littoral. SEAL Team 10 SEAL Team 10 is comprised of 6 platoons. Its headquarters is in Little Creek, Virginia. It is a part of the Naval Special Warfare Group 2, along with the SEAL Teams 2, 4, and 8. Most recently SEAL Team 10 was deployed to Afghanistan in support of operation “Enduring Freedom”. One of the most notable operations, which put SEAL Team 10 on the media radar, was operation “Red Wings”, during which SEAL Team 10 operators were heavily outnumbered by Afghan militants, and lost three of their members. Naval Special Warfare Unit Two (NSWU-2) Naval Special Warfare Unit Two (NSWU-2) is one of subordinate units of the SOCEUR (Special Operations Command Europe). Naval Special Warfare Unit TWO is based in Stuttgart, Germany. NSWU-2 provides operational support to forward deployed platoons and conducts theater planning for contingencies and exercises for Naval Special Warfare forces in the EUCOM theater of operations. NSWU-2 is capable of forming the nucleus of a Naval Special Warfare Task Unit. Naval Special WarfareUnit Ten (NSWU-10) NavalSpecial Warfare Unit TEN (NSWU-10) is based at Naval Station Rota, Spain. Commanded by a NSW Commander (O5), it has three operational SDV Task Units and a headquarters element. SDVT-2 conducts operations throughout the US Atlantic, Southern, and European commands. Its mission is to provide tactical type training opportunities for NSW forces deployed aboard Sixth Fleet ships during slack periods while on routine deployments, so NSW forces can maintain perishable skills. NSWU-10 is responsible for all NSW exercises conducted in Spain. NSWU-10 is under the operational and administrative command of Naval Special Warfare Group TWO. NSWU-10 conducts close coordination with Special Operations Command, Europe. SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams (SDVT-1; SDVT-2) [Edited on Dec. 8, 2012] The SEAL Delivery Vehicle or (SDV) is a manned submersible and a type of Swimmer Delivery Vehicle used to deliver United States Navy SEALs and their equipment for special operations missions and is also operated by the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service who operates 3 SDV's. The SDV is used primarily for covert or clandestine missions to denied access areas (either held by hostile forces or where military activity would draw notice and objection). It should not be confused with the larger, dry submersible called the Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS). The SDV is flooded, and the swimmers ride exposed to the water, breathing from the vehicle's compressed air supply or using their own SCUBA gear. (The ASDS is dry inside, with a full life support and air conditioning system.) The SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) unit, SDVT-1, is a subordinate of the Naval Special Warfare Group 3, now headquartered in Coronado. They operate detachments in Pearl Harbor and Little Creek. SDVT-2 was based in Virginia; it was disestablished and merged into SDVT-1. SDV Teams are SEAL teams with an added underwater delivery capability. An SDV platoon consists of 12–15 SEALs. Special Boat Team-12 (SBT-12) [Edited on Jan. 17, 2013] The U.S. Navy's Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC, pronounced "swick") are Special Operations Forces who operate and maintain an inventory of small craft used to support special operations missions, particularly those of the U.S. Navy SEALs. Individually, SEALs and SWCC go through separate specialized training programs that emphasize special operations in the maritime environment. SWCC are trained extensively in craft and weapons tactics, techniques, and procedures. Focusing on clandestine infiltration and exfiltration of SEALs and other special operations forces, SWCC provide dedicated, rapid mobility in shallow water areas where large ships cannot operate. SWCC must be physically fit, highly motivated, combat-focused, and responsive in high stress situations. Special Boat Team-12 was established in Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW Restructure force changes. The Unit is located at Coronado Amphibious Base, San Diego Calif. The Team is comprised of MKV SOC and SOC RHIB combatant craft. The Team deploys its SBDs to North East Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East. Special Boat Team began its history as Boat Support Unit ONE in 1964, in 1971 it became Coastal River Divison-12, and in 1978 it became Special Boat Unit-12 This long established history has had the Team continuously serving with distinction in almost all of Americas conflicts since Vietnam. SBT-12 was a frontline unit in IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003 and continues as a frontline unit in the Global War on Terrorism. Special Boat Team-20 (SBT-20) Special Boat Team-20 was established Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW-21 Restructure Force changes. SBT-20 is located at Little Creek Amphibious Base in Virginia. The Team is comprised of MKV SOC and SOC RHIB combatant craft and deploys its SBDs to Europe, the Med., Africa and Middle East. Special Boat Team-20 began its history as Boat Support Unit-2 in 1964, in 1972 it became Coastal River Division - 20. 1979 saw its name change to Special Boat Unit-20. SBT-20's long established history has the team serving with distinction in most of America's conflicts. Special Boat Team-22 (SBT-22) Special Boat Team-22 was established Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW-21 force restructure changes. The Team is located at the John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. SBT-22 is comprised of SOCR, CAC and PBL combatant craft and deploys its SBDs regularly to Central America and South America and the Middle East. Because SBT-22 is now the only NSW Riverine unit it can be deployed to any riverine environment in the world. Special Boat Team 22 began its history as Coastal River Divison-22 in 1972 in New Orleans La. In 1979 it became Special Boat Unit - 22. The Team's long history in Riverine warfare is distinguished in Counter-Narcotic Operations in Central and South America. Mobile Communications Team 1 (MCT-1) The Mobile Communications Team is an operational component of the communications- electronics departments of the Naval Special Warfare Groups ONE and TWO. They are responsible for: (1) Providing operational communications support to SEAL Teams, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams, and to Special Boat Squadrons for deployed fleet and joint units; (2) Organizing, training, and integrating new equipment and developing tactics to provide the highest quality Naval Special Warfare communications operations and support; (3) Preparing, implementing, and reviewing communications plans in coordination with higher authority, Naval Special Warfare Command components and other fleet and joint units. As always, the above insignia are available on a limited number of selected quality products via my “Military Insignia” galleries. You may simply follow the direct links in the article to navigate to the corresponding galleries I will also make my insignia designs available free of charge to any military units and personnel, for any non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families. In addition, I would make my designs available free of charge to any military branches, formations and units for any non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit-related web design, training materials or presentations, as I did on numerous occasions in the past. The above information provided in part by Wikipedia, The Institute of Heraldry, Global Security. Special thanks to www.sealteam.com, and a number of official websites of the above-mentioned units.

This blog is dedicated to our men and women in uniforms, as well as to all militaria enthusiasts. "Military Insignia 3D" is about the art of military heraldry. This will be an interactive diary, following my project. The idea is to recreate and gather under one roof the most comprehensive collection of high quality military insignia, highlighting the true beauty of such images. For custom orders, or if you are interested in sponsoring this project, you may contact me via my Blogger profile.

[Edited on Aug. 15, 2011] Just as I planned, I have managed to end this year with a creative bang. This time it was about tackling a substantial chunk of my “Military Insignia” project – US Special Operations. This involved recreating insignias of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and all its major subordinate Special Operations Commands (SOCs). USSOCOM is the Unified Combatant Command charged with overseeing the various Special Operations Commands (SOC or SOCOM) of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps of the United States armed forces. The command is part of the Department of Defense. USSOCOM is headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. USSOCOM conducts several covert and clandestine missions, such as unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, psychological operations, Civil Affairs, direct action, counter-terrorism and War on Drugs operations. Each branch has a Special Operations Command that is unique and capable of running its own operations, but when the different Special Operations Forces need to work together for an operation, USSOCOM becomes the joint component command of the operation, instead of a SOC of a specific branch. This particular stage of the project was quite time-consuming, considering the expansive structure of the USSOCOM. To accomplish all of the above, I have set aside roughly a month-worth of time, planning to wrap it up by the year-end. The challenge was on, and I was up to it. As with all of my previous projects, I was using my own Multi-Layer Enhancement & Texturing Technique (or M-LETT 3D; I discuss it in detail in this post) method to produce quality hi-resolution insignias. Occasionally, not very often, I couldn’t help but let out the artist within, yet I would manage to stay true to the official insignia specifications and color palettes. United States Army Special Operations Command (Airborne) (USASOC or ARSOC) The United States Army Special Operations Command (Airborne) (USASOC or ARSOC) is a command charged with overseeing the various Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the United States Army. The command is part of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM); a larger command overseeing all the different SOF Commands of each branch of the U.S. military. Special Operations Command – Joint Capabilities (SOC-JC) [Edited on Aug. 15, 2011] Special Operations Command – Joint Capabilities (SOC-JC) was transferred to USSOCOM from the soon to be disestablished United States Joint Forces Command. It was formerly known as United States Special Operations Command Joint Forces Command (SOCJFCOM). Primary Mission: SOC-JC trains conventional and SOF commanders and their staffs, supports USSOCOM international engagement training requirements, and supports implementation of capability solutions in order to improve strategic and operational warfighting readiness and joint interoperability. SOC-JC must also be prepared to support deployed Special Operations Joint Task Force (SOJTF) Headquarters (HQ). As a joint sub-unified command under USSOCOM, SOC-JC’s core function is to enhance the interoperability of conventional and Special Operations Forces (SOF) commanders and staffs through robust strategic and operational level joint training. In coordination with the USSOCOM J3, J7/9 and Joint Special Operations University (JSOU), SOC-JC provides excellent training and support to the education for SOF and Conventional Forces (CF) worldwide. Additionally, SOC-JC supports the joint SOF capabilities development process while maintaining the flexibility to support emerging initiatives. Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) The Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) is a component command of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and is charged to study special operations requirements and techniques to ensure interoperability and equipment standardization, plan and conduct special operations exercises and training, and develop Joint Special Operations Tactics. It was established in 1980 on recommendation of Col. Charlie Beckwith, in the aftermath of the failure of Operation Eagle Claw. It is located at Pope Army Air Field and Fort Bragg in North Carolina, USA. The Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) also commands and controls the Special Mission Units (SMU) of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). These units perform highly classified activities. So far, only three SMUs have been publicly disclosed: The Army's 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta, the Navy's Naval Special Warfare Development Group, and the Air Force's 24th Special Tactics Squadron. The Intelligence Support Activity is also under JSOC. 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Delta Force) The Army 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D) is one of the United States' secretive Tier One counter-terrorism and Special Mission Units. Commonly known as Delta, or Delta Force, it was formed under the designation 1st SFOD-D, and is officially referred to by the Department of Defense as Combat Applications Group (CAG). This unit is an elite Special Operations Force, and an Army Compartmented Element of the Joint Special Operations Command. Delta Force, along with its Navy counterpart DEVGRU, are the United States' primary counter-terrorism units. The Army 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Combat Applications Group (CAG), Delta Force) is the first of the two primary counter-terrorist units of JSOC and SOCOM. Modeled after the British Special Operations force Special Air Service, Delta is arguably one of the best SOF in the world. This is because of Delta's stringent training and selection process. Delta recruits primarily from the most talented and highly skilled operators in the Army Special Forces and the 75th Ranger Regiment although CAG will take anyone and everyone that can pass their screening. Recruits must pass a rigid selection course before beginning training. Delta has received training from numerous U.S. government agencies and other tier one SOF and has created a curriculum based on this training and techniques that it has developed. Delta conducts clandestine and covert special operations all over the world. It specializes in counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations. Delta Force's primary tasks are counter-terrorism, direct action, and national intervention operations, although it is an extremely versatile group capable of assuming many covert missions, including, but not limited to, rescuing hostages and raids. Delta Force's structure is similar to the British 22 Special Air Service Regiment. There are three main operational squadrons: A Squadron B Squadron C Squadron These squadrons are based on the organization of the SAS "Sabre Squadron" and each contains 75 to 85 operators. Each sabre squadron is broken down into three troops, one Recce/Sniper troop, and two Direct Action/Assault troops, that can either operate in teams or in groups as small as four to six men. Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) is a subordinate unified command of joint forces for the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). It is responsible for planning special operations throughout the USCENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR), planning and conducting peacetime joint/combined special operations training exercises, and orchestrating command and control of peacetime and wartime special operations as directed. The command is headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. SOCCENT FWD, Combined Forces Special Operations Component Command (CFSOCC), is located at Al Udeid in Qatar. The Command's motto is Molon labe (Greek for "Come and take them"). SOCCENT, operating with coalition partners as the CFSOCC, consists of two combined joint special operations task forces [CJSOTFs], one Combined Joint Special Operations Aviation Command, one joint psychological operations task force, one Naval Special Warfare Unit and three Special Operations command and control elements [SOCCEs]. The two CJSOTFs are CJSOTF-Arabian Peninsula, whose headquarters directs United States Army Special Forces, and CJSOTF Afghanistan. CJSOTF Afghanistan includes elements of the 7th Special Forces Group operating in southern provinces, including Kandahar, as Task Force 71. Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) is a subordinate unified command of US European Command exercising operational control of theater Army, Navy, and Air Force Special Operation Forces (SOF). SOCEUR is responsible to CDRUSEUCOM/SACEUR for SOF readiness, targeting, exercises, plans, joint and combined training, NATO/partnership activities, and execution of counterterrorism, peacetime and contingency operations. Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) Special Operations Command, Pacific (SOCPAC) is a is a sub-unified command of U.S. Southern Command and serves as the functional component for all special operation missions deployed throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America regions. SOCSOUTH is responsible for the planning and execution of all Special Operations Forces (SOF) within U.S. Southern Command's AOR to include: U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets), U.S. Naval Special Warfare Units (SEALs), U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Special Operations Aviation, Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations forces. SOCSOUTH is a joint headquarters that commands, controls, and executes over 75 deployments per year with an average of 20 missions in 12 countries at any time. The command is composed of three permanently assigned operational units based in several locations within the southeastern United States. Typical SOCSOUTH Headquarters deployments include a rapid response for contingencies, exercises, and other missions, as directed by Commander, U.S. Southern Command. Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) is a is a sub-unified command of U.S. Southern Command and serves as the functional component for all special operation missions deployed throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America regions. SOCSOUTH is responsible for the planning and execution of all Special Operations Forces (SOF) within U.S. Southern Command's AOR to include: U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets), U.S. Naval Special Warfare Units (SEALs), U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Special Operations Aviation, Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations forces. SOCSOUTH is a joint headquarters that commands, controls, and executes over 75 deployments per year with an average of 20 missions in 12 countries at any time. The command is composed of three permanently assigned operational units based in several locations within the southeastern United States. Typical SOCSOUTH Headquarters deployments include a rapid response for contingencies, exercises, and other missions, as directed by Commander, U.S. Southern Command. Special Operations Command, Korea (SOCKOR) Special Operations Command, Korea (SOCKOR) is a United States military organization in South Korea that provides special forces to United States Forces Korea/United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command. During wartime, SOCKOR combines with the Korean Special Warfare Command to form the Combined Unconventional Warfare Task Force (CUWTF). Special Operations Command Korea (SOCKOR), located at Camp Kim in Yongsan, Korea, is the theater Special Operations Command (SOC) responsible for special operations on the Korean peninsula and, when established, the Korean Theater of Operations (KTO). Because of the unique command relationships in Korea, SOCKOR is the only theater SOC that is not a subordinate unified command. Established in 1988 as a functional component command of U.S. Forces, Korea (USFK), SOCKOR is the principal organization responsible for the integration of U.S. SOF in Korea. Its primary mission focus is simple: be ready to employ U.S. SOF and win, should war resume in Korea. Special Operations Command, Africa (SOCAFRICA) Special Operations Command, Africa (SOCAFRICA) is an airborne sub-unified command within the Special Operations Forces of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). SOCAFRICA HQ is located at Kelley Barracks outside of Stuttgart, Germany. United States Army Special Forces United States Army Special Forces, also known as Green Berets, are a special operations force of the United States Army tasked with six primary missions: unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, direct action, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism. The first two emphasize language, cultural, and training skills in working with foreign troops. Other duties include combat search and rescue (CSAR), security assistance, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, humanitarian demining, counter-proliferation, psychological operations, manhunts, and counter-drug operations; other components of the United States Special Operations Command or other U.S. government activities may also specialize in these secondary areas. Their official motto is De oppresso liber (Latin: To Liberate the Oppressed), a reference to one of their primary missions, training and advising foreign indigenous forces. 75th Ranger Regiment The 75th Ranger Regiment (Airborne), also known as Rangers, is a Special Operations light infantry unit of the United States Army. The Regiment is headquartered in Fort Benning, Georgia with battalions in Fort Benning, Hunter Army Airfield and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. It operates as a special operations force of the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). The Regiment is composed of one Special Troops Battalion and three, organizationally identical, rapidly-deployable light infantry special operations battalions with specialized skills that enable them to perform a variety of special operations missions. These missions include but are not limited to airborne, air assault, and direct action operations, raids, infiltration and exfiltration by air, land or sea in addition to airfield seizure, recovery of personnel and special equipment, and support of general purpose forces (GPF). Each of the Regiment's three line battalions rotates as the "Ranger Ready Force". This battalion is at a constant readiness to deploy and is expected to be able to respond anywhere in the world within 18 hours. United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) The United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), or USACAPOC(A), was founded in 1985. USACAPOC(A) is composed mostly of U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers in units throughout the United States. Its total size is approximately 10,000 Soldiers, making up about 94 percent of the DoD's Civil Affairs forces and 71 percent of the DoD's Psychological Operations forces. It is headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The current commander (2010) is Major General David N. Blackledge, who assumed command in September 2009, succeeding Major General David A. Morris who commanded the unit from 2007 to 2009. Historically, USACAPOC(A) was one of four major subordinate commands comprising the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. In May 2006, the reserve component of USACAPOC(A) was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve Command. The Army's active duty civil affairs and psychological operations units, along with the branches' training and doctrine, continues to fall under the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Army Reserve Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations make up 5 percent of the U.S. Army Reserve force, but account for about 20 percent of Army Reserve deployments. Some proponents of USACAPOC(A) point to its units' success in humanitarian aid operations, and also in their ability to spread information to civilians. The command's special operators are some of the most highly trained soldiers in the U.S. Army, and bring civilian expertise not found among regular active duty Soldiers to the table. The projects they complete comprise many of the 'Good News' stories run in the American media each day about Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. The next stages of this project will be focusing on Special Operations insignia of the US Navy, US Air Force and USMC. So far, there is no ETA on any of those. Stay Tuned. To active duty or reserve military personnel, veterans and their family members: I grant an explicit permission to download the above images to be used for non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families, as well as for non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit website design, training materials and presentations. The above information provided in part by The Institute of Heraldry, Global Security, Wikipedia and websites of certain Unified Combatant Commands

The United States Air Force (USAF) is the aerial warfare, space warfare, and cyber-warfare service branch of the United States armed forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military in 1947. It is the most recent branch of the U.S. military to be formed. Description: The predominant colors, gold and ultramarine blue, are the Air Force's colors as carried down from the Air Corps. The thirteen stars signify the original states, and the bald eagle is the symbol of the United States and of air striking power. The shield is divided by a nebula line formation, representing clouds, and the heraldic thunderbolt portrays striking power in the medium of air. History: Prior to enactment of the National Security Act of 26 July 1947, Mr. Arthur E. DuBois of the Military Planning Division, Office the Quartermaster General, Department of the Army, prepared a study of flags and seals for consideration by the three services. These drawings were first reviewed by Army officials in the office of the Director of Personnel and Administration, then by Naval personnel in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air, which also arranged to have the drawings reviewed by the Secretary of Defense. In September 1947, proposed drawings of the Air Force Seal were first exhibited in the office of the Secretary of the Air Force. Later, a conference of approximately 30 top-ranking Air Force general officers considered the preferred one. The participants evaluated an Air Force seal with a green-colored background; it featured prominently at the honor point of the shield a Wright Brothers' airplane. This Seal has been prepared by the Heraldic Section of the Office of the Quartermaster General, Department of the Army, in coordination with Mr. Robert E. Ewin, Chief of the Air Force Uniform and Insignia Section. After review, conference participants decided that the background of the Department of the Air Force Seal should be blue rather than green, and that a symbolic design should be substituted in place of the Wright Brothers' airplane. During these discussions, Mr. Dubois picked up the design and on its reverse side made a pencil sketch of Jupiter's thunderbolt as a suggested symbol. When the Air Force representatives saw the pencil sketch and understood its significance, they agreed to adopt that design as the basic symbol for the Air Force Seal instead of the Wright Brothers' airplane. The words "Department of the Air Force" that appear around the upper rim of the Seal were drawn from the words of the National Security Act. The final drawing of the Department of the Air Force Seal was completed in the Office of the Quartermaster General, Department of the Army, and approved by Harry S. Truman, President of the United States, on 1 November 1947. Symbolism: The symbolism incorporated in the Great seal of the Department of the Air Force is as follows: 1. The predominant colors, ultramarine blue and gold, are the colors of the Air Force through transition from the Air Corps. 2. The 13 stars represent the Thirteen Original Colonies of the United States. The grouping of three stars at the top of the design portrays the three Departments of the National Defense Establishment, Army, Navy, and Air Force. 3. The crest includes the American Bald Eagle, which is the symbol of the United States and air striking power. The cloud formation depicts the creation of a new firmament, and the wreath, composed of six alternate folds of silver and blue, incorporate the colors of the basic shield design. 4. The shield, divided with the nebuly line formation, representing clouds, is charged with the heraldic thunderbolt. The thunderbolt portrays striking power through the medium of air. 5. The Roman numerals beneath the shield indicate the year 1947, in which the Department of the Air Force was established. 6. On a band encircling the whole is the inscription "Department of the Air Force" and "United States of America". The entire design used on the shield of the Air Force Seal is taken from an heraldic representation of the mythological thunderbolt, also termed Jupiter's thunderbolt,. Jupiter was the Roman mythological God of the Heavens. At the honor point of the shield is a lightning bolt or elongated projectile-like mass, conceived of as the missile cast to earth in the lightning flash. The word thunderbolt--a single discharge of lightning with the accompanying thunder--derived from the idea that lightning was a bolt thrown to earth by a god. The pair of wings and smaller lightning flashes surrounding the bolt complete the design. The eagle's head is turned to the right and symbolizes facing the enemy--looking toward the future and not dwelling on past deeds. Above Information Provided by the Air Force History Office About the “US Air Force Seal” artwork: The design has been recreated in vector form in Adobe Illustrator CS4. After that, it has been imported in Photoshop and meticulously enhanced using my signature multi-layered process. As with any of my “Military Insignia” projects, the idea was to bring out the beauty of the design, and turn it into a realistically looking masterpiece. It took me two days to complte. Two variations of the seal were created – the full version, and stylized light (non-official) version of the seal. As always, the above artworks are available via my “Military Insignia” galleries from FineArt America and RedBubble. You can just follow the links in the article to get to the corresponding galleries. To active duty or reserve military personnel, veterans and their family members: I grant an explicit permission to download the above images to be used for non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families, as well as for non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit website design, training materials and presentations.

[Edited on Sept. 24, 2014] This collection of US Navy SEAL insignia was in the works for quite some time, as a part of my “Military Insignia 3D” project. One of the first SEAL patches was the original SEAL Team Six patch, which I created in the wake of successful “Operation Neptune Spear”, a well-known kill-or-capture mission with Osama bin Laden as a main target. The first version of the patch can be seen here. Since then I have substantially improved my techniques, most notably – creating cloth patches with simulated fabric textures. So, when the time came for my “Navy SEAL Teams” collection, I have created a new version of ST-6 patch, which can be seen below. Here you will also find a re-make of my Navy SEAL badge, its full-gold version, to be exact, as well as latest versions of NSWC and DEVGRU emblems. While working on this particular collection, I decided to focus of the early original versions of the SEAL Team patches, which also happen to be the most renowned ones. At the same time, I have another collection in the works, which will showcase a number of lesser-known and obscure SEAL Team patches. Stay tuned. In the meantime, the “Navy SEAL Teams” collection is finally complete, and readers of this blog will be the first ones to see it in its entirety. Stay tuned for my next project - Naval Special Warfare Groups insignia collection, as well as less know SEAL Team patches from “Military Insignia 3D”… The United States Navy SEa, Air and Land (SEAL) Teams, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy's principal special operations force and is a part of the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) as well as the maritime component of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Navy SEALs can trace their roots to the Second World War. The United States Navy recognized the need for the covert reconnaissance of landing beaches and coastal defenses. As a result, the Amphibious Scout and Raider School was established in 1942 at Fort Pierce, Florida. The unit's acronym ("SEAL") is derived from their capacity to operate at sea, in the air, and on land – but it is their ability to work underwater that separates SEALs from most other military units in the world. The experience gained from operating in the ocean and freshwater battlefields has shaped their identity and, as a result, they are regarded as being amongst the most highly skilled and trained amphibious units in the world. Navy SEALs are trained and have been deployed in a wide variety of missions, including direct action and special reconnaissance operations, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, and other missions. Without exception, all SEALs are male members of either the United States Navy or the United States Marine Corps. The CIA's highly secretive Special Activities Division (SAD) and more specifically its elite Special Operations Group (SOG) often recruit operators from the SEAL Teams. Joint Navy SEALs and CIA operations go back to the famed MACV-SOG during the Vietnam War. This cooperation still exists today and is seen in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in the finding and killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. SEAL training is extremely rigorous, having a reputation as some of the toughest anywhere in the world. The dropout rate for BUDs classes are sometimes over 90 percent. The average Navy SEAL spends over a year in a series of formal training environments before being awarded the Special Warfare Operator Naval Rating and the Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) 5326 Combatant Swimmer (SEAL) or, in the case of commissioned naval officers, the designation Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) Officer. SEAL Teams are organized into two groups: Naval Special Warfare Group One (West Coast), and Naval Special Warfare Group Two (East Coast), which come under the command of Naval Special Warfare Command, stationed at NAB Coronado, California. Currently, there are nine confirmed Navy SEAL Teams. The key word here is "confirmed", because there is a number of teams, existence and names of which is a closely guarded secret. The original SEAL Teams in the Vietnam War were separated between West Coast (Team ONE) and East Coast (Team TWO) SEALs. The current SEAL Team deployments include Teams 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10. Team 6 is no longer identified by this name. The Teams deploy as Naval Special Warfare Squadrons or Special Operations Task Forces and can deploy anywhere in the world. Squadrons will normally be deployed and fall under a Joint Task Force (JTF) or a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) as a Special Operations Task Force (SOTF). Each SEAL Team is commanded by a Navy Commander (O-5), and has a number of operational SEAL platoons and a headquarters element. A SEAL Team has a Staff Headquarters element and three 40-man Troops. Each Troop consist of a Headquarters element consisting of a Troop Commander, typically a Lieutenant Commander (O-4), a Troop Senior Enlisted (E-8), a Targeting/Operations Officer (O-2/3) and a Targeting/Operations Leading/Chief Petty Officer (E-6/7). Under the HQ element are two SEAL platoons of 16–20 men (two officers, 14–16 enlisted SEALs, and sometimes two enlisted EOD Operators); a company-sized Combat Service Support (CSS) and/or Combat Support (CS) consisting of staff N-codes (the Army and Marine Corps use S-codes); N1 Administrative support, N2 Intelligence, N3 Operations, N4 Logistics, N5 Plans and Targeting, N6 Communications, N7 Training, and N8 Air/Medical. Each Troop can be easily task organized into four squads of eight 4–5 man fire teams for operational purposes. The size of each SEAL “Team” with Troops and support staff is approximately 300 personnel. The typical SEAL platoon has an OIC (Officer in Charge, usually a Lieutenant (O-3), an AOIC (Assistant Officer in Charge, usually a Lieutenant (junior grade), O-2), a platoon chief (E-7), an Operations NCO/LPO (Leading Petty Officer, E-6) and other operators E-4 to E-6. The core leadership in the Troop and Platoon are the Commander/OIC and the Senior Enlisted NCO (Senior Chief/Chief). Troop core skills consist of: Sniper, Breacher, Communicator, Maritime/Engineering, Close Air Support, Corpsman, Point-man/Navigator, Primary Driver/Navigator (Rural/Urban/Protective Security), Heavy Weapons Operator, Sensitive Site Exploitation, Air Operations Master, Lead Climber, Lead Diver/Navigator, Interrogator, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Technical Surveillance, and Advanced Special Operations. Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, a naval base in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is home to SEAL Teams 2, 4, 8, and 10. Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, a naval base in Coronado, California, is home to SEAL Teams 1, 3, 5, and 7. There is also a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) unit, SDVT-1, located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. SDVT-2 was based in Virginia; it was disestablished and merged into SDVT-1. SDV Teams are SEAL teams with an added underwater delivery capability. An SDV platoon consists of 12–15 SEALs. Naval Special Warfare Group ONE (NSWG-1) Naval Special Warfare Group ONE is located at NAB Coronado, CA. Naval Special Warfare Groups (NSWG) are echelon II Captain (O6) major commands established by NAVSPECWARCOM to equip, support, and provide command and control elements and trained and ready SEAL and SDV platoons and forces to the geographic CINCs. NSW Groups ONE and TWO are organized into: • Three SEAL Teams, comprised of eight 16-man platoons, which conduct reconnaissance, DA, UW, FID, and other operations in maritime or riverine environments; • One SDV Team which operates and maintains submersible systems that deliver and recover SEALs in hostile areas and conduct reconnaissance and DA missions; and • NSW Units, which are small command and control elements located outside the continental United States, support other NSW forces assigned to theater SOCs or components of naval task forces. Naval Special Warfare Group ONE (NSWG 1) in Coronado, California, is one of the six major operational components of the Naval Special Warfare Command. It is commanded by a Navy Captain (O-6). NSWG 1 has under its operational and administrative control, SEAL Team ONE, SEAL Team THREE, SEAL Team FIVE, and SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE. Administrative control of NSWU-1 AND NSWU-3 is with Naval Special Warfare Group ONE. The group deploys Naval Special Warfare forces worldwide to meet the training, exercise, contingency, and wartime requirements of the theater Commanders. Naval Special Warfare Group ONE is capable of task-organizing to support worldwide commitments as a deployed Naval Special Warfare Task Group (NSWTG), as they did during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. NSWG1 geographically concentrates on the Pacific and Central Commands areas of responsibility. • NSW Unit ONE (NSWU-1) • NSW Unit THREE (NSWU-3) • SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE (SDVT-1) • SEAL Team ONE (ST-1) • SEAL Team THREE (ST-3) • SEAL Team FIVE (ST-5) • Mobile Communications Team (MCT) • Logistics & Support Unit Naval Special Warfare Group TWO (NSWG-2) Naval Special Warfare Group TWO is located at NAB Little Creek, VA. Naval Special Warfare Groups (NSWG) are echelon II Captain (O6) major commands established by NAVSPECWARCOM to equip, support, and provide command and control elements and trained and ready SEAL and SDV platoons and forces to the geographic CINCs. NSW Groups ONE and TWO are organized into: • Three SEAL Teams, comprised of eight 16-man platoons, which conduct reconnaissance, DA, UW, FID, and other operations in maritime or riverine environments; • One SDV Team which operates and maintains submersible systems that deliver and recover SEALs in hostile areas and conduct reconnaissance and DA missions; and • NSW Units, which are small command and control elements located outside the continental United States, support other NSW forces assigned to theater SOCs or components of naval task forces. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO (NSWG-2), located in Little Creek, VA, is the one of the six major operational components of the Naval Special Warfare Command. NSWG-2 is commanded by a Navy Captain (O-6). NSWG-2 has under its operational and administrative control, SEAL Team TWO, SEAL Team FOUR, SEAL Team EIGHT, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team TWO, Naval Special Warfare Unit FOUR and Naval Special Warfare Unit TEN. Administrative control of Naval Special Warfare Unit TWO and Naval Special Warfare Unit EIGHT is with Naval Special Warfare Group TWO. The group deploys Naval Special Warfare forces worldwide to meet training, exercise, contingency, and wartime requirements of the theater Commanders. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO is capable of task organizing to support worldwide commitments as a deployed Naval Special Warfare Task Group, NSWTG, as they did during Operation JUST CAUSE. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO geographically concentrates on the Atlantic, Europe and Southern Command areas of responsibility. Subordinate Units: • NSW Unit TWO (NSWU-2) • NSW Unit FOUR (NSWU-4) • NSW Unit TEN (NSWU-10) • RM Poole • SEAL Team TWO (ST-2) • SEAL Team FOUR (ST-4) • SEAL Team EIGHT (ST-8) • Logistics & Support Unit Naval Special Warfare Group THREE (NSWG-3) Naval Special Warfare Group 3 (NSWG-3), based at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in California, is one of six constituent formations of the United States Naval Special Warfare Command. Until 2008, NSWG-3 was composed of two SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams: SDVT-1 in Pearl Harbor and SDVT-2 in Little Creek. In 2008, SDVT-2 was disestablished and merged into SDVT-1, which is now headquartered in San Diego and operates detachments in Pearl Harbor and Little Creek. SDV Teams are SEAL teams with an added underwater delivery capability. An SDV platoon consists of 12-15 SEALs. SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1) is commanded by a Navy Commander (O-5). The table of equipment for the unit includes three operational SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDV) and a Dry Deck Shelter (DDS). The normal table of organization includes three task units and a headquarters element. Each SDV Task Unit operates independently from a host submarine in the conduct of Naval Special Warfare missions. SDV Task Units typically deploy aboard host submarines, but may be deployed from shore or surface ships. SDVT-1 conducts operations throughout the Pacific Command's and Central Command's geographic areas of responsibility. SDVT-2 was disestablished on 8 August, 2008, and merged with SDVT-1. Formerly consisting of 28 navy divers in the command in addition to SEALs and SDV technicians, SDVT-2 was reportedly replaced by a small Dry Deck Shelter detachment. NSWG-3 is the organization tasked with developing expertise in deploying Naval Special Warfare assets from submarines. Current non-classified methods of deployment include the SEAL Delivery Vehicle, Dry Deck Shelter and Advanced SEAL Delivery System. Naval Special Warfare Group FOUR (NSWG-4) The Naval Special Warfare Group-4 (NSWG-4), was established Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW-21 Restructure Force changes. the Group is located at Little Creek, Naval Amphibious Base in Va. She is subordinate to US SOCOM and Naval Special Warfare Command. NSWG-4's subordinate units are Special Boat Teams 12, 20, and 22. NSWG-4 is tasked to organize, equip and train SWCC crews to assigned combatant craft at the Special Boat Teams to support Naval Special Warfare. The Group is responsible for the development and testing of Combatant craft and associated ordinance and equipment. NSWG-4 is also responsible for the development and evaluating operational doctrine, tactics and procedures. NSWG-4 monitors and certifies the Combat Readiness of assigned craft and SWCC. NSWG-4 Operational areas of responsibility are the World’s coastal and riverine areas. NSWG-4 is a Staff Organization, commanded by a senior SEAL Captain with many departments filled by SEALs and senior SWCC holding positions in Operations, Training and Command Master Chief. Special Boat Detachments (SBD) like its earlier historic namesakes MST-1,2, and 3 are small Spec Boat Dets. deployed from its parent Special Boat Team. The SBD will form up, train, and qualify on the combatant craft to be used. They will also receive all combat related skills, training and tactics for missions they will conduct overseas. Once the training cycle is completed the Special Boat Team training Department will conduct a Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE). NSWG-4 may also monitor the ORE. This is a realistic as possible Final Battle Problem that will test and grade all skills learned by the detachment. Once they passed the ORE the Special Boat Team and NSWG-4 will certify them ready for deployment. The SBD is then sent overseas on a Operational deployment to conduct Maritime Naval Special Warfare at the orders of the SOF In-Theater Commander The deployment is normally six months long. The SBD will normally support a SEAL Platoon, but with NSW-21 Force changes several SBDs will deploy together with a SEAL Squadron and its platoons of SEALs. The SBD normally support SEAL operations, but capable of conducting certain operations with other SOF units and Marine RECON. The Special Boat Detachments are capable of conducting certain Special Operation Missions designed for the Boats and SWCC. SBDs are on the tip of the spear when deployed, conducting, or on station to conduct "Real World" Operations. SEAL Team 1 SEAL Team 1 is based out of Coronado, California and consists of eight SEAL platoons in total. The Team is headed up by a Navy Commander and focuses its work and efforts in Southeast Asia. In short, Navy SEAL Team 1 deploys said platoons in Guam to the Naval Special Warfare Unit One. It also conducts trainings known as DFTs or Deployments and Training in both the Pacific and Central theaters. On January 1, 1962, Navy SEAL Team 1 was put into operation. The first recruits consisted of men who were already skilled in Underwater Demolition and were part of UDT Teams 11 – 12. These men were then put through a variety of other trainings throughout various military schools in order to gain the skills necessary in order to operate within jungle based terrain, which was needed at the time. Though the first SEALs who made up Navy SEAL Team 1 were used to dealing with near-shore missions, they had to learn to operate in various elements including inland travel, which is why they were put through more rigorous training than other branches of the military. Throughout the history of SEAL Team 1, two officers were commissioned to travel to Vietnam in order to determine if the newly formed Navy SEALs could be of service in the area. After this meeting two platoons from SEAL Team 1 were sent to Vietnam where they served a six month tour, wherein they were responsible for training the Vietnamese in general military operations. It is recorded in history that Navy SEAL Team 1 was ultimately responsible for an estimated one-thousand confirmed kills and nearly another 400 probable kills during this time in the Vietnam War. SEAL Team 2 Little Creek, Virginia serves as the home and headquarters for Navy SEAL Team 2, which like Navy SEAL Team 1 is led by a Navy Commander. Eight platoons in total make up the military force behind Navy SEAL Team 2. As far as Deployment and Training is concerned, Navy SEAL Team 2 focuses in Europe, wherein it sends platoons to Germany where they serve on Amphibious Ships which are deployed to fleets 2 and 6. It should be noted that Navy SEAL 2 is the only SEAL Team that has arctic warfare capabilities. This is one of the most unique traits of SEAL Team 2 that sets it apart from all others. When Navy SEAL 2 was first formed it was lead by LT. John F. Callahan and consisted almost solely of members from UDT-21. Additional statistics state that Navy SEAL 2 began with a total of ten officers and fifty general ranks. One notable Navy SEAL who served as part of Navy SEAL Team 2 is Harry Constance who joined in 1966. Within four years Harry Constance had completed 300 missions during combat in Vietnam and also captured nearly 200 enemy prisoners. Harry Constance is in fact considered to be one of the most well recognized SEALs from his time. All his endeavors resulted in 3 bronze star medals and after being wounded in battle a Purple Heart. Harry Constance was in fact idolized by the majority of men who served not only as part of Navy SEAL Team 2, but also all other Navy SEAL Teams that were in operation at the time. SEAL Team 3 Lead by a Navy Commander, Navy SEAL 3 located in Coronado, California consists of a total of eight platoons and also features a headquarters element. Navy SEAL Team 3 focuses its service in Southwest Asia. Additionally, Navy SEAL 3 deals with deployment of platoons to Guam via Naval Special Warfare Unit one. These platoons are deployed amongst the 3rd, 5th, and 7th fleets aboard various amphibious ships. The Central and Pacific Theaters are where the Deployments and Trainings (DFTs) of Navy SEAL Team 3 take place. Throughout history Navy SEAL 3 has served in numerous combat missions. In August of 1990 when Iraq took to invading Kuwait, Navy SEAL Team 3 was sent to take part in various missions in the area. Additionally, in more recent history SEAL Team 3 served in Afghanistan wherein they once again took part in various missions, where much of the time they used what are known as Desert Patrol Vehicles which have widely been associated solely with Navy SEAL Team 3. Navy SEAL Team 3 is part of Naval Special Warfare Group 1 along with Teams 1, 5, and 7. Navy SEAL Team 3 is also considered to be a West Coast Team. Navy SEAL Team 3 is a highly trained and motivated unit that provides numerous functions for the US Military. Much of what Navy SEAL Team 3 has accomplished, along with other Navy SEAL Teams is generally kept quiet. Though their successes are generally announced and have gone down in history we may never know everything that Navy SEAL 3 has accomplished for this great country. SEAL Team 4 10 operational platoons make up Navy SEAL Team 4 which is based out of Little Creek, Virginia. Navy SEAL Team 4 is headed by a Navy Commander and also features a headquarters element apart from the 10 platoons that make it whole. The focus of Navy SEAL 4 is concentrated in both South America and Central America. When it comes to basic deployment, Navy SEAL Team 4 deploys platoons to amphibious ships amongst the second fleet along Naval Special Warfare Unit Eight located in Panama. Additionally, Navy SEAL Team 4 conducts Deployments and Trainings (DFTs) in both the Central American theater and South American theater. One unique thing that sets Navy SEAL Team 4 apart from all other Navy SEAL Teams is the fact that it features a “visible standing language capability”; this language being Spanish. All other Navy SEAL Teams have a language focus of English. Navy SEAL Team 4 is part of Naval Special Warfare Group 2 along with Teams 2, 8, and 10. Navy SEAL Team 4 is also considered to be a East Coast Team. Throughout Navy SEAL history Navy SEAL Team 4 has taken part in various combat missions. In 1983 Navy SEAL Team 4 along with Navy SEAL Team 6 were sent to Grenada to provide protection for US citizens who were on the island. Team 4 was first given the “Green Light” to prepare the mission which was then given to Team 6. However, Team 4 provided much needed reconnaissance and assistance to the US Marine Corps who were focused on landing at a airfield. Team 4 is famous for their assistance and bravery in Grenada. SEAL Team 5 Under the direction of a Navy Commander Navy SEAL Team 5 consists of a headquarters element and 8 active platoons. The main focus of concentration of Navy SEAL Team 5 consists of geographic areas is the Northern Pacific. These platoons are deployed among the 3rd, 5th, and 7th fleets amongst Naval Special Warfare Unit One located in Guam. The Deployments and Trainings of Navy SEAL Team 5 take place in both the Pacific and Central Theaters. Navy SEAL Team 5 is part of Naval Special Warfare Group 1 along with Teams 1, 3, and 7. Navy SEAL Team 5 is also considered to be a West Coast Team. At various times throughout history Navy SEAL Team 5 has been called to action. Most notably in 1990, Navy SEAL Team 5 was called to service after Kuwait was invaded by Iraq. Members of SEAL Team 5 entered Kuwait along with various Navy Special Boat Units. These units made it into Kuwait before the borders were sealed off by the Iraqi’s. Throughout the siege in Kuwait Navy SEAL Team 5 executed various successful missions for the Unites States Military. No matter what Navy SEAL Team 5 is called to do they always complete their missions with the utmost professionalism and effectiveness needed by our country in times of need. They are a strong line of defense that has been heralded for their bravery and that will always be here to assist in the protection of the American people. Just as they have been there in the past, they will be here in the future to protect everything that America stands for. SEAL Team 6 The United States Navy SEALs Team Six is also known as United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) or DEVGRU. It is one of the United States' two secretive Tier One counter-terrorism and Special Mission Units (SMUs); the other such group is 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force). Most recently DEVGRU's designation had been changed by the Defense Department to a new name. However, the new name is currently classified. When SEAL Team Six was first created it was devoted exclusively to counter-terrorism with a worldwide maritime responsibility; its objectives typically included targets such as ships, oil rigs, naval bases, or other civilian or military bases that were accessible from the sea or inland waterways. DEVGRU's full mission is classified but is thought to include preemptive, pro-active counterterrorist operations, counter-proliferation (efforts to prevent the spread of both conventional weapons and weapons of mass destruction), as well as assassination or recovery of high-value targets (HVTs) from unfriendly nations. DEVGRU is one of only a handful of U.S. special mission units authorized to use preemptive actions against terrorists and their facilities. On May 1/2 2011, DEVGRU was involved in the operation “Neptune Spear “ that killed Osama bin Laden at his compound in the affluent suburb of Abottabad, Pakistan. The operation was carried out with support of other JSOC units, the Technical Application Programs Office and the Aviation Technology Evaluation Group. The raid also involved close collaboration with the CIA, the National Security Agency (NSA), and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. SEAL Team 7 SEAL Team 7 was commissioned March 2002 and is a subordinate command of Naval Special Warfare Group 1. Since its commissioning, SEAL Team 7 has made three combat deployments to both the Central and Pacific Command theatres of operation in support of the global war on terrorism. SEAL Team 7 recently returned from a six-month deployment in Iraq and the Pacific theater in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the global war on terrorism. Their actions helped increase security and stability in the Al Anbar province of Iraq and their contributions were significant in degrading the capability of terrorist organizations in Iraq and around the world. SEAL Team 8 SEAL Team 8 is based at Little Creek, VA. Commanded by a Navy Commander (O-5), it has eight operational platoons and a headquarters element. SEAL Team EIGHT’s geographic area of concentration is the Caribbean, Africa, and the Mediterranean. SEAL Team Eight deploys platoons with carrier battle groups (CVBGs) and amphibious ships in support of Second, Fifth, and Sixth Fleet commanders, and conducts DFTs throughout the Caribbean, Africa, and the Mediterranean littoral. SEAL Team 10 SEAL Team 10 is comprised of 6 platoons. Its headquarters is in Little Creek, Virginia. It is a part of the Naval Special Warfare Group 2, along with the SEAL Teams 2, 4, and 8. Most recently SEAL Team 10 was deployed to Afghanistan in support of operation “Enduring Freedom”. One of the most notable operations, which put SEAL Team 10 on the media radar, was operation “Red Wings”, during which SEAL Team 10 operators were heavily outnumbered by Afghan militants, and lost three of their members. Naval Special Warfare Unit Two (NSWU-2) Naval Special Warfare Unit Two (NSWU-2) is one of subordinate units of the SOCEUR (Special Operations Command Europe). Naval Special Warfare Unit TWO is based in Stuttgart, Germany. NSWU-2 provides operational support to forward deployed platoons and conducts theater planning for contingencies and exercises for Naval Special Warfare forces in the EUCOM theater of operations. NSWU-2 is capable of forming the nucleus of a Naval Special Warfare Task Unit. Naval Special WarfareUnit Ten (NSWU-10) NavalSpecial Warfare Unit TEN (NSWU-10) is based at Naval Station Rota, Spain. Commanded by a NSW Commander (O5), it has three operational SDV Task Units and a headquarters element. SDVT-2 conducts operations throughout the US Atlantic, Southern, and European commands. Its mission is to provide tactical type training opportunities for NSW forces deployed aboard Sixth Fleet ships during slack periods while on routine deployments, so NSW forces can maintain perishable skills. NSWU-10 is responsible for all NSW exercises conducted in Spain. NSWU-10 is under the operational and administrative command of Naval Special Warfare Group TWO. NSWU-10 conducts close coordination with Special Operations Command, Europe. SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams (SDVT-1; SDVT-2) [Edited on Dec. 8, 2012] The SEAL Delivery Vehicle or (SDV) is a manned submersible and a type of Swimmer Delivery Vehicle used to deliver United States Navy SEALs and their equipment for special operations missions and is also operated by the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service who operates 3 SDV's. The SDV is used primarily for covert or clandestine missions to denied access areas (either held by hostile forces or where military activity would draw notice and objection). It should not be confused with the larger, dry submersible called the Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS). The SDV is flooded, and the swimmers ride exposed to the water, breathing from the vehicle's compressed air supply or using their own SCUBA gear. (The ASDS is dry inside, with a full life support and air conditioning system.) The SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) unit, SDVT-1, is a subordinate of the Naval Special Warfare Group 3, now headquartered in Coronado. They operate detachments in Pearl Harbor and Little Creek. SDVT-2 was based in Virginia; it was disestablished and merged into SDVT-1. SDV Teams are SEAL teams with an added underwater delivery capability. An SDV platoon consists of 12–15 SEALs. Special Boat Team-12 (SBT-12) [Edited on Jan. 17, 2013] The U.S. Navy's Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC, pronounced "swick") are Special Operations Forces who operate and maintain an inventory of small craft used to support special operations missions, particularly those of the U.S. Navy SEALs. Individually, SEALs and SWCC go through separate specialized training programs that emphasize special operations in the maritime environment. SWCC are trained extensively in craft and weapons tactics, techniques, and procedures. Focusing on clandestine infiltration and exfiltration of SEALs and other special operations forces, SWCC provide dedicated, rapid mobility in shallow water areas where large ships cannot operate. SWCC must be physically fit, highly motivated, combat-focused, and responsive in high stress situations. Special Boat Team-12 was established in Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW Restructure force changes. The Unit is located at Coronado Amphibious Base, San Diego Calif. The Team is comprised of MKV SOC and SOC RHIB combatant craft. The Team deploys its SBDs to North East Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East. Special Boat Team began its history as Boat Support Unit ONE in 1964, in 1971 it became Coastal River Divison-12, and in 1978 it became Special Boat Unit-12 This long established history has had the Team continuously serving with distinction in almost all of Americas conflicts since Vietnam. SBT-12 was a frontline unit in IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003 and continues as a frontline unit in the Global War on Terrorism. Special Boat Team-20 (SBT-20) Special Boat Team-20 was established Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW-21 Restructure Force changes. SBT-20 is located at Little Creek Amphibious Base in Virginia. The Team is comprised of MKV SOC and SOC RHIB combatant craft and deploys its SBDs to Europe, the Med., Africa and Middle East. Special Boat Team-20 began its history as Boat Support Unit-2 in 1964, in 1972 it became Coastal River Division - 20. 1979 saw its name change to Special Boat Unit-20. SBT-20's long established history has the team serving with distinction in most of America's conflicts. Special Boat Team-22 (SBT-22) Special Boat Team-22 was established Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW-21 force restructure changes. The Team is located at the John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. SBT-22 is comprised of SOCR, CAC and PBL combatant craft and deploys its SBDs regularly to Central America and South America and the Middle East. Because SBT-22 is now the only NSW Riverine unit it can be deployed to any riverine environment in the world. Special Boat Team 22 began its history as Coastal River Divison-22 in 1972 in New Orleans La. In 1979 it became Special Boat Unit - 22. The Team's long history in Riverine warfare is distinguished in Counter-Narcotic Operations in Central and South America. Mobile Communications Team 1 (MCT-1) The Mobile Communications Team is an operational component of the communications- electronics departments of the Naval Special Warfare Groups ONE and TWO. They are responsible for: (1) Providing operational communications support to SEAL Teams, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams, and to Special Boat Squadrons for deployed fleet and joint units; (2) Organizing, training, and integrating new equipment and developing tactics to provide the highest quality Naval Special Warfare communications operations and support; (3) Preparing, implementing, and reviewing communications plans in coordination with higher authority, Naval Special Warfare Command components and other fleet and joint units. As always, the above insignia are available on a limited number of selected quality products via my “Military Insignia” galleries. You may simply follow the direct links in the article to navigate to the corresponding galleries I will also make my insignia designs available free of charge to any military units and personnel, for any non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families. In addition, I would make my designs available free of charge to any military branches, formations and units for any non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit-related web design, training materials or presentations, as I did on numerous occasions in the past. The above information provided in part by Wikipedia, The Institute of Heraldry, Global Security. Special thanks to www.sealteam.com, and a number of official websites of the above-mentioned units.

[Edited on Apr. 13, 2017 to add: U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Regimental Insignia] U.S. Army branch insignia were among the first designs I made at the time when I started this project over 2 years ago. The earlier versions of them can still be found in my Zazzle’s Military Insignia 3Dgalleries. As time went by, I have significantly improved my methods and techniques, and as with many of my earlier works, I felt a strong urge for the second edition… This coincided with me opening a brand-new Military Insignia 3Dgallery on CafePress, so the timing was perfect to introduce my “U.S. Army Branches: Insignia and Plaques” 2nd edition. This time, it will debut on CafePress, and later will be gradually introduced in my “Military Insignia 3Z”on Zazzle. These designs can be recognized by sleeker and more polished 3D feel, cleaner and lighter look with less invasive shading, and modern sophisticated textures. Also, whenever I came across regimental insignia, DUIs or SSI, my goal was as much as possible to reflect real-life materials used to manufacture such items. So, without further ado, behold the “U.S. Army Branches: Insignia and Plaques” 2nd edition… The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services. The U.S. Army was officially founded on 14 June 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized enlistment of riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year. Each branch of the army has a different branch insignia. Acquisition Corps The purpose of the Acquisition Corps is to create a pool of highly qualified AT&L personnel to fill Critical Acquisition Positions (CAPs) and Key Leadership Positions (KLPs). The Acquisition Corps is a cadre of professionals who have earned recognition as experts in the field of acquisition and are pre-approved to fill Critical Acquisition Positions (CAPs). It is a subset of the acquisition workforce, composed of military and civilian personnel who meet statutory education, training, and experience requirements. The Defense Acquisition Corps was formerly referred to as the Acquisition Professional Community (APC). DoDD 5000.52 consolidated the separate DOD component acquisition corps into a single Defense Acquisition Corps, “Acquisition Corps”. All APC members, including those who were waived into the APC, are members of the Defense Acquisition Corps. Acquisition Corps is composed of those persons who have met the standards prescribed by Chapter 87 of title 10, United States Code, and who have been granted admission to the Acquisition Corps by the USD(AT&L) or by a CAE to whom this authority has been delegated. The Defense Acquisition Corps was established pursuant to DAWIA. Prospective members must meet [Intermediate (Level II) or Advanced (Level III)] certification requirements, have a Bachelor's degree and 24 semester-hours business related courses, and must be selected by their DoD component for membership. An individual may decline membership, but only Corps members can fill Critical Acquisition Positions (CAPs). The G-1 approved the development of a collar and regimental insignia for Career Management Field 51 on 15 October 2007. The insignia was authorized on 8 January 2008. The collar insignia is worn by enlisted personnel only. The regimental insignia may be worn by soldiers awarded Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 51C. A gold color metal and black enameled device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) overall consisting of a black disc bearing the Alpha and Omega interlaced, overall between two laurel branches crossed in base with a sword superimposed on each all entwined by a riband, an eagle’s head erased, all gold. Attached across the bottom is a black scroll doubled and inscribed with “PACTUM EXCELLO” in gold. Black and gold are the dominate colors of the U.S. Army Acquisition Corps emblem. The Greek “Alpha” and “Omega” are adapted from the organization’s emblem and symbolize the intricate continuous acquisition process and mission. The eagle, our National symbol, represents vigilance and military preparedness. Black alludes to dependability and solidarity, while gold signifies excellence and high ideals. Laurel symbolizes honor and high achievement and the swords represent protection, service and support to mission accomplishment. “Pactum Excello” is Latin for “Contracting Excellence” and refers to Acquisition soldiers performing contracting operations and functions in support of the soldier. Adjutant General's Corps The Adjutant General's Corps is a Combat Service Support branch of the Army. The Adjutant General Corps, or "AG Corps" as most soldiers call it, provides personnel and administration support to Army field commanders. AG soldiers' tasks include tracking awards and promotions, maintaining personnel records, providing secretarial and clerk support, and handling mail. Their mission is to help build and sustain combat readiness through planning, operating, and managing all military personnel activities, which include the following functions: Personnel Services, Personnel Strength Management, Personnel Management, Automation, Band Operations, and Postal Operations. Since World War II, the Adjutant General's Corps has been combat tested on several far-flung battlefields such as Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, and, most recently, in the Persian Gulf War (Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm). AG soldiers mobilized 139,207 reserve component soldiers (equating to 1,045 Reserve and National Guard units of all types), recalled 1,386 retirees to active duty, deployed 1,600 Army civilians to Southwest Asia, processed over 10,000 individual and unit replacements, and delivered more than 27,000 tons of mail to deployed Army forces. Branch insignia: A silver metal and enamel shield 1 inch in height on which are thirteen vertical stripes, 7 silver and 6 red; on a blue chief 1 large and 12 small silver stars. The basic design--the shield from the Coat of Arms of the United States-- was adopted in 1872 as a solid shield of silver, bearing thirteen stars. In 1924, this design was authorized to be made in gold metal with the colors red, white, and blue in enamel. In December 1964, the insignia was changed to silver base metal with silver stars and silver and red enamel stripes. Branch Plaque The plaque design has the branch insignia in proper colors on a white background and the branch designation in silver letters. The rim is gold. Regimental insignia: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches in height consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure (dark blue) within a border Gules, an inescutcheon paly of thirteen Argent and Gules, on a chief Azure a mullet Argent between a pattern of twelve of the like (as on The Adjutant General's insignia of branch), and enclosed in base by two laurel branches Or. Attached above the shield a silver scroll inscribed with the numerals "1775" in red and attached below the shield a silver triparted scroll inscribed "DEFEND AND SERVE" in dark blue. The Regimental Insignia was approved on 23 December 1986. Air Defense Artillery 17 November 1775. The Continental Congress unanimously elected Henry Knox "Colonel of the Regiment of Artillery" on 17 November 1775. The regiment formally entered service on 1 January 1776. Although Field Artillery and Air Defense Artillery are separate branches, both inherit the traditions of the Artillery branch. Air Defense Artillery refers to a combat arm that specializes in anti-aircraft weapons (such as surface to air missiles). In the US Army, these groups are composed of mainly air defense systems such as the Patriot Missile System, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), and the Avenger Air Defense system which fires the FIM-92 Stinger missile. The Air Defense Artillery branch descended from the Anti-Aircraft Artillery (part of the U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps) into a separate branch on 20 June 1968. On 1 December 1968, the ADA branch was authorized to wear modified Artillery insignia, crossed field guns with missile. According to the Army's Field Manual 44-100, the mission of Air Defense Artillery is "to protect the force and selected geopolitical assets from aerial attack, missile attack, and surveillance. On 10 October 1917 an Antiaircraft Service in the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) was created at Arnouville-Les-Gonesse where an antiaircraft school was established. The antiaircraft units were organized as serially numbered battalions during the war. The National Defense Act of 1920 formally assigned the air defense mission to the Coast Artillery Corps, and 4 battalions were organized in 1921. In 1924 under a major reorganization of the Coast Artillery the battalions were reorganized as regiments. In 1938 there were only 5 Regular Army and thirteen National Guard regiments, but by 1941 this had been expanded to 37 total regiments. In November 1942, 781 battalions were authorized. However, this number was pared down to 331 battalions by the end of the war. On 9 March 1942 Antiaircraft Command was established in Washington D.C. and in 1944 the AAA school was moved to Fort Bliss. Army Anti-Aircraft Command (ARAACOM) was created July 1950, and in 1957, ARAACOM was renamed to US Army Air Defense Command (USARADCOM). In 1957 the Combat Arms Regimental System organized the battalions under regiments again. In 1968 the Air Defense Artillery Branch was created. In 2010 the United States Army Air Defense Artillery School was moved from Fort Bliss to Fort Sill. Branch Insignia consists of a missile surmounting two crossed field guns, all of gold colored metal,1 1/8 inches in height. Crossed cannons (field guns) for Artillery has been in continuous use since 1834, when they were played on regimental colors, knapsacks, and as part of the cap insignia for Artillery officers. An Act of Congress, 2 February 1901, divided the Artillery arm into Coast and Field Artillery and the insignia was modified by the addition of a plain scarlet oval at the intersection of the crossed cannons. On 17 July 1902, the Coast Artillery insignia was created by the addition of a gold projectile on the red oval. Concurrently, the Field Artillery insignia was created by the addition of a gold wheel on the red oval; this insignia was replaced by two crossed field guns (a lighter form of cannon), the design of which was approved on 4 April 1907. The Army Organization Act of 1950 consolidated Coast and Field Artillery to form the Artillery Arm, and the crossed field guns was redesignated as the Artillery branch insignia on 19 December 1950. This insignia was superseded on 2 January 1957 by a new insignia consisting of crossed field guns surmounted by a missile, all gold. On 20 June 1968, Air Defense Artillery was established as a basic branch of the Army and on 1 December 1968, the ADA branch was authorized to retain the former Artillery insignia, crossed field guns with missile. The plaque design has the branch insignia, letters and border in gold. The background is scarlet. Armor The Armor Branch of the United States Army is an active combat arms branch created in 1776. The Armor branch traces its origin to the Cavalry. A regiment of cavalry was authorized to be raised by the Continental Congress Resolve of 12 December 1775. Although mounted units were raised at various times after the Revolution, the first unit in continuous service was the United States Regiment of Dragoons, organized in 1833. The Tank Service was formed 5 March 1918. The Armored Force was formed on 10 July 1940. Armor became a permanent branch of the Army in 1950. The United States Army Armor School is now located at Fort Benning. The Armor insignia, approved in 1950, consists of the traditional crossed sabers (originally adopted for the cavalry in 1851) on which the M-26 tank is superimposed. The design symbolizes the traditional and current roles of armor. The front view of an M-26 tank, gun slightly raised, superimposed on two crossed cavalry sabers in scabbards, cutting edge up, 13/16 inch in height overall, of gold color metal. The plaque design has the branch insignia, letters and border in gold. The background is green. Aviation The Aviation Branch of the United States Army is the administrative organization within the Army responsible for doctrine, manning and configuration for all aviation units. After the United States Army Air Corps grew into the Army Air Forces and split into the new service, the United States Air Force, the Army was left with its sole fixed-wing aviation units flying L-2 observation planes for artillery units. The Army would develop a new concept of aviation using the helicopter, that would show promise during the Korean War and would truly revolutionize warfare during the Vietnam War. After the creation of the Army Air Forces, the Army Ground Forces retained the use of light aircraft for artillery forward observation and reconnaissance in June 1942. When the United States Air Force was established as a separate service in 1947, the Army developed its light planes and rotary wing aircraft to support its ground operations. The Korean War and Vietnam War proved the growing capabilities of these aviation assets to perform a variety of missions not covered by the Air Force. In recognition of the demonstrated increasing importance of aviation in Army doctrine and operations, Aviation became a separate branch on 12 April 1983. The mission of Army Aviation is to find, fix, and destroy the enemy through fire and maneuver; and to provide combat, combat support and combat service support in coordinated operations as an integral member of the combined arms team. On the modern battlefield, Army Aviation, unlike the other members of the combined arms team, has the organic flexibility, versatility, and assets to fulfill a variety of maneuver, CS, CSS, roles and functions. These cover the spectrum of combined arms operations. Aviation can accomplish each of these roles—within the limits of finite assets and capabilities—during offensive or defensive operations and also for joint, combined, contingency, or special operations. Originally aircraft and pilots were assigned directly to artillery or other units requiring light aircraft. In 1957 the Army decided to create individual company sized units in the numbered Divisions. These companies were soon expanded to Battalion size during the Vietnam war and further expanded in the late 1980s to Regimental-sized support elements under a Brigade headquarters. Branch Insignia: A silver propeller in a vertical position between two gold wings in a horizontal position, 1 1/8 inches in width. The wings are modified and differ from designs currently used on Army and Air Force aviator badges. The insignia draws upon the original insignia for historical and symbolic purposes, but was deliberately modified to signify a new chapter in Army aviation history. Cavalry The United States Cavalry, or U.S. Cavalry, was the designation of the mounted force of the United States Army from the late 18th to the early 20th century. The Cavalry branch was absorbed into the Armor branch in 1950, but the term "Cavalry" remains in use in the U.S. Army for certain armor and aviation units historically derived from cavalry units. Originally designated as United States Dragoons, the forces were patterned after cavalry units employed during the Revolutionary War. The traditions of the U.S. Cavalry originated with the horse-mounted force which played an important role in extending United States governance into the Western United States after the American Civil War. Immediately preceding World War II, the U.S. Cavalry began transitioning to a mechanized, mounted force. During World War II, the Army's cavalry units operated as horse-mounted, mechanized, or dismounted forces (infantry). The last horse-mounted cavalry charge by a U.S. Cavalry unit took place on the Bataan Peninsula, in the Philippines. The 26th Cavalry Regiment of the Philippine Scouts executed the charge against Japanese forces near the village of Morong on 16 January 1942. The U.S. Cavalry branch was absorbed into the Armor branch as part of the Army Reorganization Act of 1950. The Vietnam War saw the introduction of helicopters and operations as an airborne force with the designation of Air Cavalry, while mechanized cavalry received the designation of Armored Cavalry. Today, cavalry designations and traditions continue with regiments of both armor and aviation units that perform the cavalry mission. The 1st Cavalry Division is the only active division in the United States Army with a cavalry designation. The division maintains a detachment of horse-mounted cavalry for ceremonial purposes. Branch Insignia: Two crossed sabers in scabbards, cutting edge up, 11/16 inch in height, of gold color metal. The cavalry insignia was adopted in 1851. Officers and enlisted personnel assigned to cavalry regiments, cavalry squadrons or separate cavalry troops are authorized to wear the cavalry collar insignia in lieu of their insignia of branch when approved by the MACOM commander. Some of the armor and aviation units are designated cavalry units. U.S. Army Chaplain Corps The Chaplain Corps of the United States Army consists of ordained clergy who are commissioned Army officers as well as enlisted soldiers who serve as assistants. Their purpose is to offer religious services, counseling, and moral support to the armed forces, whether in peacetime or at war. Chemical Corps The Chemical Corps is the branch of the United States Army tasked with defending against Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons. The corps was founded as the Chemical Warfare Service during World War I. Its name was changed to the Chemical Corps in 1946. By 1982 in an effort to hasten chemical defense capabilities the corps restructured its doctrine, modernized its equipment, and altered its force structure. This shift led to every unit in the army having chemical specialists in-house by the mid-1980s. Between 1979 and 1989 the Army established 28 active duty chemical defense companies. The Chemical Corps, like all branches of the U.S. Army, uses specific insignia to indicate a soldier's affiliation with the corps. The Chemical Corps branch insignia consists of a cobalt blue, enamel benzene ring superimposed over two crossed gold retorts. The branch insignia, which was adopted in 1918 by the fledgling Chemical Service, measures .5 inches in height by 1.81 inches in width. Crossed shells with a dragon head was also commonly used in France for the Chemical service. The Chemical Warfare Service approved the insignia in 1921 and in 1924 the ring adopted the cobalt blue enamel. When the Chemical Warfare Service changed designations to the Chemical Corps in 1946 the symbol was retained. The Chemical Corps regimental insignia was approved on 2 May 1986. The insignia consists of a 1.2 inch shield of gold and blue emblazoned with a dragon and a tree. The shield is enclosed on three sides by a blue ribbon with Elementis Regamus Proelium written around it in gold lettering. The phrase translates to: "Let us (or may we) rule the battle by means of the elements". The regimental insignia incorporates specific symbolism in its design. The colors, gold and blue, are the colors of the Chemical Corps, while the tree's trunk is battle scarred, a reference to the historical beginnings of U.S. chemical warfare, battered tree trunks were often the only reference points that chemical mortar teams had across no man's land during World War I. The tree design was taken from the coat of arms of the First Gas Regiment. The dragon symbolizes the fire and destruction of chemical warfare. Individual Chemical Corps soldiers are often referred to as "Dragon Soldiers." Civil Affairs In 1955, The Civil Affairs and Military Government Branch, USAR, was established. During wartime, the primary mission of Civil Affairs is to conduct civil-military operations. Civil Affairs Soldiers are responsible for identifying non-governmental and international organizations operating in the battlespace, handling refugees, civilians on the battlefield, and determining protected targets such as schools, churches/temples/mosques, hospitals, etc. Civil Affairs units are the field commander's link to the civil authorities in that commander's area of operations. The Soldiers make up teams which interface and provide expertise to the host nation government. CA Soldiers are particularly suited for this mission since they are Army Reserve Soldiers with civilian occupations such as law enforcement, engineering, medicine, law, banking, public administration, etc. Civil Affairs Soldiers have been integral to U.S. peacekeeping operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, Bosnia and Kosovo, among others. Tactical Civil Affairs teams go out and meet with local officials, conduct assessments and determine the need for critical infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, power plants, clinics, sewer lines, etc., and check up on the status of the project after construction by a local company has begun. Branch Insignia: On a globe 5/8 inch in diameter, a torch of liberty 1-inch in height surmounted by a scroll and a sword crossed in saltire, all of gold color. On 30 April 1956, the Office of Civil Affairs and Military Government gave concurrence in the design (gold global background with gold torch, sword and scroll superimposed thereon). The Department of the Army General Staff approved the design on 1 June 1956. The branch was redesignated to Civil Affairs USAR on 2 October 1959. The globe indicates the worldwide areas of Civil Affairs operations. The torch is from the Statue of Liberty, a symbol associated with the spirit of the United States. It also represents the enlightened performance of duty. The scroll and sword depict the civil and military aspects of the organization's mission. The insignia was authorized for wear by all personnel assigned to Regular Army Civil Affairs TOE units on 13 October 1961. Regimental Insignia: A silver and gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches in height consisting of a shield, crest and motto. The Regimental Insignia was approved on 14 April 1989. Purple and white are the colors traditionally associated with Civil Affairs. Gold is emblematic of honor and achievement. The scroll, sword and torch are adapted from the Civil Affairs branch insignia and denote the branch-wide scope and application of the design. The scroll and sword depict the civil and military aspects of the organization. The torch refers to the Statue of Liberty, a symbol associated with the spirit of democracy of the United States. The border emphasizes unity, continuity and the whole regimental concept. Crest: The scales represent balance and normality; the gauntlet denotes the military's role in establishing, administering and protecting the equilibrium. The globe signifies the extensive scope of the mission of the Civil Affairs Regiment. Corps of Engineers The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE, also sometimes shortened to CoE) is a U.S. federal agency under the Department of Defense and a major Army command made up of some 38,000 civilian and military personnel, making it the world's largest public engineering, design, and construction management agency. Although generally associated with dams, canals and flood protection in the United States, USACE is involved in a wide range of public works throughout the world. The Corps of Engineers provides outdoor recreation opportunities to the public, and provides 24% of U.S. hydropower capacity. The Corps' mission is to provide vital public engineering services in peace and war to strengthen the nation's security, energize the economy, and reduce risks from disasters. USACE provides support directly and indirectly to the warfighting effort. They build and help maintain much of the infrastructure that the Army and the Air Force use to train, house, and deploy troops. USACE built and maintained navigation systems and ports provide the means to deploy vital equipment and other material. Corps Research and Development (R&D) facilities help develop new methods and measures for deployment, force protection, terrain analysis, mapping, and other support. USACE directly supports the military in the battlezone, making expertise available to commanders to help solve and avoid engineering and other problems. Forward Engineer Support Teams, FEST-A's or FEST-M's, may accompany combat engineers to provide immediate support, or to reach back electronically into the rest of the Corps for the necessary expertise. A FEST-A team is an 8 person detachment while a FEST-M is approximately 36 individuals. These teams are designed to provide immediate technical engineering support to the warfighter or in a disaster area. Corps professionals use the knowledge and skills honed on both military and civil projects to support the U.S. and local communities in the areas of real estate, contracting, mapping, construction, logistics, engineering, and management experience. This work currently includes support for rebuilding Iraq, establishing Afghanistan infrastructure, and supporting international and interagency services. Branch Insignia: A gold color triple turreted castle eleven-sixteenth inch in height. The triple turreted castle has been in use by the Corps of Engineers since it was adopted in 1840. Prior to that time an insignia of a similar design was worn on the uniforms of the Corps of Cadets of the United States Military Academy since the Academy was under the supervision and direction of the Chief of Engineers. Selection of the turreted castle as the Engineer insignia followed the first major construction undertaken by the Corps of Engineers--the building of a system of castle-like fortifications for the protection of harbors along the Atlantic Coast. These fortifications, many of which are still standing, were in fact called "castles". By 1924, the insignia had involved into its current design and color (gold). Regimental Insignia: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/16 inches in height consisting of a scarlet shield with silver border and gold castle at center and attached below a scarlet scroll inscribed "ESSAYONS" in silver. The regimental insignia was approved on 11 April 1986. Symbolism of Regimental Insignia: Scarlet and white are the colors of the Corps of Engineers. The castle and the motto "ESSAYONS" traditionally have been associated with the Corps. Field Artillery The Field Artillery branch was founded on 17 November 1775 by the Continental Congress. The Field Artillery is one of the Army's combat arms, traditionally one of the three major branches (with Infantry and Armor). It refers to those units that use artillery weapons systems to deliver surface-to-surface long range indirect fire. Indirect fire means that the projectile does not follow the line of sight to the target. Mortars are not field artillery weapons; they are organic to infantry units and are manned by infantry personnel. The mission of the Field Artillery is to integrate and deliver lethal and non-lethal fires to enable joint and maneuver commanders to dominate their operational environment across the spectrum of operations. Branch Insignia: Two crossed field guns, gold color metal, thirteen-sixteenth inch in height. Crossed cannons (field guns) for Artillery have been in continuous use since 1834, when they were placed on regimental colors, knapsacks, and as part of the cap insignia for Artillery officers. In 1901, the Artillery was divided into Coast and Field Artillery and the branch insignia was modified by the addition of a plain scarlet oval at the intersection of the cannons. The Field Artillery insignia approved on 17 July 1902 had a gold wheel on the red oval and the Coast Artillery had a gold projectile on the red oval. This red oval and wheel was replaced on 4 April 1907 by two field guns. It was superseded in 1957 by the consolidated Artillery insignia consisting of the crossed field guns surmounted by a missile. In 1968 when the Air Defense Artillery and the Field Artillery were authorized to have separate insignia, the former Field Artillery insignia was reinstated. Finance Corps The United States Army Finance Corps is a combat service support (CSS) branch of the United States Army. The Finance Corps is the successor to the old Pay Department, which was created in June 1775. The Finance Department was created by law on 1 July 1920. It became the Finance Corps in 1950. It is responsible for financial operations, most notably payroll and contracting. It is the smallest branch of the army. In 1896, the diamond design (embroidered in silver or made of silver metal) was approved at the insignia of the Pay Department. In 1912, when the offices of The Quartermaster General, The Commissary General, and The Paymaster General of the Army were consolidated into the Quartermaster Corps, the use of this design was discontinued. The design came into use again when the Finance Department was established in 1920. The design was retained when the Finance Department became the Finance Corps in 1950. Regimental Insignia is a gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inch in height consisting of the shield adapted from the coat of arms and blazoned: Argent (Silver Gray), a globe Azure gridlined Or, overall in saltire a sword with point to sinister base Argent hilted Or and a quill Argent, superimposed at fess point a representation of the Finance Corps branch insignia Proper. Attached below a gold scroll inscribed with the words "TO SUPPORT AND SERVE" in blue letters. The insignia was originally approved on 8 September 1986 but the design was changed on 1 June 1988 to change the diamond from yellow enamel to a separate device in gold. Infantry In U.S. Army Infantry, as well as in all other infantries around the world, infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face. Infantrymen are distinguished from soldiers trained to fight on horseback (cavalry), in tanks, or in technical roles such as armourers or signallers, but basic infantry skills are fundamental to the training of any soldier, and soldiers of any branch of an army are expected to serve as auxiliary infantry (e.g., patrolling and security) when necessary. Infantry can access and maneuver in terrain inaccessible to vehicles and tanks, and employ infantry support weapons that can provide firepower in the absence of artillery. A new system, the U.S. Army Combat Arms Regimental System, or CARS, was adopted in 1957 to replace the old regimental system. CARS uses the Army's traditional regiments as parent organizations for historical purposes, but the primary building blocks are divisions, and brigade became battalions. Each battalion carries an association with a parent regiment, even though the regimental organization no longer exists. In some brigades several numbered battalions carrying the same regimental association may still serve together, and tend to consider themselves part of the traditional regiment when in fact they are independent battalions serving a brigade, rather than a regimental, headquarters. The CARS was replaced by the U.S. Army Regimental System (USARS) in 1981. There are exceptions to USARS regimental titles, including the Armored Cavalry Regiments and the 75th Ranger Regiment created in 1986. On 1 October 2005, the word "regiment" was formally appended to the name of all active and inactive CARS and USARS regiments. So, for example, the 1st Cavalry officially became titled the 1st Cavalry Regiment. Branch insignia: Two gold color crossed muskets, vintage 1795 Springfield musket (Model 1795 Musket), 3/4 inch in height. Crossed muskets were first introduced into the Army as the insignia of officers and enlisted men of the Infantry on 19 November 1875 (War Department General Order No. 96 dtd 19 Nov 1875) to take effect on or before 1 June 1876. Numerous attempts in the earlier years were made to keep the insignia current with the ever changing styles of rifles being introduced into the Army. However, in 1924 the branch insignia was standardized by the adoption of crossed muskets and the 1795 model Springfield Arsenal musket was adopted as the standard musket to be used. This was the first official United States shoulder arm, made in a government arsenal, with interchangeable parts, flint lock, smooth bore, muzzle loader. The standardized musket now in use was first suggested by Major General Charles S. Farnsworth, U.S. Army, while he was the first Chief of Infantry, in July 1921, and approved by General Pershing, Chief of Staff, in 1922. The device adopted in 1922 has been in continual use since 1924. There have been slight modifications in the size of the insignia over the years; however, the basic design has remained unchanged. Inspector General The Inspector General’s office routinely investigates allegations of misconduct by Army officials at the rank of colonel or below. Complaints can be filed by soldiers, their family members, retirees, former soldiers or civilians employed by the Army. The office also can be directed to investigate allegations against senior officers at the rank of general, as it was in the 2004 Abu Ghraib prisoner-abuse scandal. The position of inspector general was created by George Washington to improve the training, drills, discipline and organization. The office still fulfills that role by monitoring compliance; for example, it inspects the chemical- and nuclear-materials systems. Its self-described mission is “to inquire into, and periodically report on, the discipline, efficiency, economy, morale, training and readiness.” The agency has reviewed cases involving soldiers injured or killed by friendly fire. It has handled sexual-harassment complaints. And it has produced reports on alleged abuses against detainees by U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. It does not handle criminal investigations, which it leaves to the Criminal Investigations Command. Judge Advocate General's Corps The Judge Advocate General's Corps of the United States Army is composed of Army officers who are also lawyers and who provide legal services to the Army at all levels of command. The Judge Advocate General's Legal Service includes judge advocates, warrant officers, paralegal noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted personnel, and civilian employees. The Judge Advocate General is a lieutenant general. All military officers are appointed by the U.S. President subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, but the Judge Advocate General is one of the few positions in the Army explicitly provided for by law in Title 10 of the United States Code, and which requires a distinct appointment. Officers who have already been appointed to another branch of the Army are administratively dismissed and simultaneously recommissioned anew as Judge Advocates, rather than merely transferring branches. udge Advocates occupying the position of Staff Judge Advocate serve on the special and personal staff of general officers in command who are general court-martial convening authorities (in other words, who have the authority to convene a general court-martial). Staff Judge Advocates advise commanders on the full range of legal matters encountered in Government legal practice and provide advice on courts-martial as required by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Subordinate judge advocates prosecute courts-martial, and others, assigned to the independent United States Army Trial Defense Service and United States Army Trial Judiciary, serve as defense counsel and judges. The almost 2,000 full-time judge advocates and civilian attorneys who serve The Judge Advocate General's Corps comprise the largest group of attorneys who serve the U.S. Army. Several hundred other attorneys practice under the Chief Counsel of the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Command Counsel of the United States Army Materiel Command. Judge advocates are deployed throughout the United States and around the world, including Japan, South Korea, Germany, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Qatar. They provide legal assistance to soldiers, adjudicate claims against the Army, advise commands on targeting decisions and other aspects of operational law, and assist the command in administering military justice by preparing non-judicial punishment actions, administrative separation actions, and trying criminal cases at court-martial. In addition to the active component judge advocates, there are approximately 5,000 attorneys who serve in the US Army Reserve and the Army National Guard. Several hundred Reserve and National Guard attorneys were called to active duty to serve in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The branch insignia consists of a gold pen crossed above a gold sword, superimposed over a laurel wreath. The pen signifies the recording of testimony, the sword represents the military character of the JAG Corps, and the wreath indicates honor. The insignia was created in May 1890 in silver and changed to gold in 1899. The regimental distinctive insignia (commonly but erroneously referred to as a "crest") contains the branch insignia on a shield of azure (dark blue), bordered argent (silver), the regimental colors. The "1775" on the ribbon below the shields refers to the year of the Corps' establishment. Logistics Department of the Army General Orders No. 6, dated 27 November 2007, established Logistics as a basic branch of the Army effective 1 January 2008. This changed what was previously known as the functional area 90 (multifunctional logistician) program into a branch of the Army. All Ordnance, Quartermaster and Transportation Corps basic branch officers of all components (Active, Reserve and National Guard), in the rank of Captain or above, who have graduated from the Combined Logistics Captains Career Course (or its earlier equivalent called the Combined Logistics Officer Advanced Course) or any Ordnance, Quartermaster or Transportation Corps Reserve Component Captains Career Course will wear the Logistics branch insignia. A diagonally crossed cannon, muzzle up and key, ward down and pointing in, surmounted by a ship’s steering wheel, all in gold colored metal; bearing on the hub a stylized star and inscribed on the ship’s wheel in Latin, above “SUSTINENDUM” and below “VICTORIAM” all in soldier red. Overall dimension is 1 inch (2.54 cm) in height. Soldier red is the Logistics branch color. The logistics mission of planning, integrating, and executing sustainment activities is represented by elements from the Quartermaster (key) and Transportation (ship’s wheel) branch insignia, Ordnance regimental insignia (cannon), and Combined Arms Support Command distinctive unit insignia (stylized star). The key represents the Quartermaster Corps’ mission to provide supplies and services; the ship’s wheel denotes the Transportation Corps’ responsibilities for the movement of troops, supplies, and equipment; the cannon represents the Ordnance Corps’ responsibilities of maintenance and munitions; the stylized star represents the unity and integration of logistics functions. The motto translates to “Sustaining Victory.” Army Medical Department The Army Medical Department of the U.S. Army (abbreviated as the AMEDD) comprises the Army's six medical Special Branches (or "Corps") of officers and enlisted medical soldiers. It was established as the "Army Hospital" in July 1775 to coordinate the medical care required by the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The AMEDD is led by the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army, a Lieutenant general. The AMEDD is the U.S. Army's healthcare organization, not a U.S. Army command. The AMEDD is found in all three branches of the Army: the Active Army, the U.S. Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard. Its headquarters are in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, which hosts the AMEDD Center and School. Equal numbers of AMEDD senior leaders can also be found in Washington D.C., divided between the Pentagon and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). Regimental Insignia: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 inch in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned as follows: Per pale: to dexter, paly of thirteen Gules and Argent, on a chief Azure 20 mullets in four rows of five each of the Second; to sinister, Argent, a staff entwined with a serpent Vert; attached below the shield a blue scroll inscribed "TO CONSERVE FIGHTING STRENGTH" in silver. The insignia was originally approved on 17 April 1986 but the size was changed from 1 1/4 inch to 1 inch on 28 August 1986. The design of the shield is based on the shield of a historical heraldic device probably first used in 1818 by the Army Medical Department. The white stars on a blue background and the red and white stripes represents the United States flag of 1818. The green staff entwined with the serpent, originating in mythology, is symbolic of medicine and healing. Green was the color associated with the Corps during the last half of the nineteenth century. Symbology of the crest of the coat of arms: The colors Argent and Gules are those associated with the Army Medical Department. The cross and the wreath are adapted from devices authorized for hospital stewards and other enlisted men when the Hospital Corps was established in 1887. The seven stars emphasize the elements of the organization: Medical Corps, Army Nurse Corps, Dental Corps, Veterinary Corps, Medical Service Corps, Army Specialist Corps, and the Enlisted Medical Specialist. The motto "TO CONSERVE FIGHTING STRENGTH" reflects the medical mission. Medical Corps (MC) The Medical Corps (MC) of the U.S. Army is a staff corps (non-combat specialty branch) of the U.S. Army Medical Department (AMEDD) consisting of commissioned medical officers – physicians with either an MD or a DO degree, at least one year of post-graduate clinical training, and a state medical license. The MC traces its earliest origins to the first physicians recruited by the Medical Department of the Army, created by the Continental Congress in 1775. The US Congress made official the designation "Medical Corps" in 1908, although the term had long been in use informally among the Medical Department's regular physicians. Currently, the MC consists of over 4,400 active duty physicians representing all the specialties and subspecialties of civilian medicine. They may be assigned to fixed military medical facilities, to deployable combat units or to military medical research and development duties. They are considered fully deployable soldiers. The Chief of the Medical Corps Branch (under the Army's Human Resources Command) is a colonel and the senior-most Medical Corps officer in the Army is the U.S. Army Surgeon General, a lieutenant general. Medical Service Corps (MS) The Medical Service Corps consists entirely of commissioned and warrant officers. Members are required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree before receiving a commission. The MS is the most diverse branch of the Army, with members performing the greatest range of duties. Members perform administrative and support duties such as healthcare administrators, health services officers in operational units, healthcare comptrollers, healthcare informatics officers, patient administrators, health service human resource managers, health physicists, toxicologists, sanitary engineers, medical operations and plans officers, medical logisticians, health services maintenance technicians, and medical evacuation pilots. MS officers serve in clinical support roles as clinical laboratory science officers, environmental science officers, pharmacists and preventive medicine officers. Medical Service Corps officers serve as commanders of field medical units in garrison and combat environments. MS officers provide healthcare to patients as psychologists (PhD, PsyD), social workers (MSW with state license), optometrists, pharmacist, podiatrists, and audiologists. The Medical Service Corps also functions as a transitional branch, encompassing commissioned medical, dental, and veterinary students who have not completed their training through the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) or the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). Medical Service Corp officers are accessioned from the various Army commissioning sources (USMA, ROTC, and the federal and state Office Candidate Schools) following a branch-immaterial curriculum. Since a primary function of the Medical Service Corps is to manage combat health support activities, its officers hold general command authority and can compete for company and field grade command of medical support formations and detachments, similar to officers of the "competitive category" branches (infantry, ordnance, quartermaster, etc.). In contrast, Medical Corps and Dental Corps officers are limited to command billets specific to their respective corps (e.g. hospitals, MEDDACs, clinics for doctors; dental clinics, DENTACs for dentists). Medical Specialist Corps (SP) The Army Medical Specialist Corps consists entirely of commissioned officers. Members hold professional degrees and serve as clinical dietitians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physician assistants. Members of the SP serve all around the world and at all echelons of the Army. Dental Corps (DC) The Dental Corps (DC) consists of commissioned officers holding the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Enlisted soldiers may be assigned as dental assistants. Army Nurse Corps (AN) The Army Nurse Corps became a permanent corps of the Medical Department under the Army Reorganization Act (31 STat. 753) passed by Congress on 2 February 1901. Its motto is "EMBRACE THE PAST – ENGAGE THE PRESENT – ENVISION THE FUTURE" and its mission statement declares that "All actions and tasks must lead and work toward promoting the wellness of Warriors and their families, supporting the delivery of Warrior and family healthcare, and all those entrusted to our care and ultimately, positioning the Army Nurse Corps as a force multiplier for the future of military medicine." Veterinary Corps (VC) The U.S. Army Veterinary Corps was established by an Act of Congress on 3 June 1916. Recognition of the need for veterinary expertise had been evolving since 1776 when General Washington directed that a "regiment of horse with a farrier" be raised. It has evolved to include sanitary food inspectors and animal healthcare specialists. The Veterinary Corps consists of commissioned doctors of veterinary medicine. Warrant officers are the core of its food inspection service. Enlisted personnel can serve as food inspection specialists and veterinary technicians; enlisted collar insignia lacks the 'V' and is the same as that worn by medics. Military Intelligence Corps In the United States Armed Forces, Military Intelligence (sometimes referred to as MI) refers specifically to the intelligence components of the United States Army. Other branches of the service have their own military intelligence components, referred to by other names. The primary mission of military intelligence in the United States Army is to provide timely, relevant, accurate, and synchronized intelligence and electronic warfare support to tactical, operational and strategic-level commanders. The Army’s intelligence components produce intelligence both for Army use and for sharing across the national intelligence community. The Military Intelligence Corps is one of the basic branches of the United States Army. In 1971, the United States Army Intelligence Center was established at Fort Huachuca, Arizona as the home of the military intelligence branch. On July 1, 1987 the Military Intelligence Corps was activated as a regiment under the U.S. Army Regimental System. All United States Army Military Intelligence personnel are members of the Military Intelligence Corps. The Branch insignia was originally approved in 1962 for the Army Intelligence and Security Branch and redesignated to the Military Intelligence Branch on 1 July 1967. The sun, composed of four straight and four wavy alternating rays, is the symbol of Helios who, as God of the Sun, could see and hear everything. The four straight rays of the sun symbol also allude to the four points of the compass and the worldwide mission of the Military Intelligence Branch. The placement of the sun symbol beneath the rose (an ancient symbol of secrecy) refers to the operations and activities being conducted under circumstances forbidding disclosure. The partially concealed unsheathed dagger alludes to the aggressive and protective requirements and the element of physical danger inherent in the mission. The color gold signifies successful accomplishment and the dark blue signifies vigilance and loyalty. Regimental Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned as follows: Azure (oriental blue) a lightning flash and a key ward up, saltirewise, superimposed by a sphinx Or; attached below the shield a gold scroll inscribed "ALWAYS OUT FRONT" in black letters. The regimental insignia was originally approved on 28 July 1986 but was revised on 24 March 1987 to change the sphinx from enamel to recessed and gold plated. Oriental blue and silver gray is the colors associated with the Military Intelligence Corps. The key, flash and sphinx symbolize the three basic categories of intelligence: human, signal, and tactical. The flaming torch between the crossed swords of the crest suggests the illumination as provided by Intelligence upon the field of battle. The motto "ALWAYS OUT FRONT" reflects the forward location in gathering intelligence information. Military Police Corps The Military Police Corps is the uniformed law enforcement branch of the United States Army. Investigations are conducted by Military Police Investigators or the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command (USACIDC), both of which report to the Provost Marshal General. Some U.S. Army MP units, usually at the division or brigade level, are designated as combat, division MPs whose combat zone responsibilities include protection of vehicle routes, defile control, route reconnaissance and straggler control, the guidance or detention of soldiers who have become lost, separated from their units, or have fled the battlefield. Since the beginning of the war on terror, military police have become a valuable asset to combat operations due to the versatility of the MOS. They have been used more in a combat arms role rather than their normal combat support role. The Army's Military Police provide an important function in the full spectrum of Army operations as a member of the Maneuver, Fires, and Effects division. The Military Police Corps provides expertise in police, detainment and stability operations in order to enhance security and enable mobility. The Army's Military Police can be utilized in direct combat and during peacetime. Branch Insignia: Two crossed gold color metal pistols 3/4 inch in height. The insignia was approved in 1922. The old type pistol sometimes referred to as the Harper's Ferry Pistol (made at the Harper's Ferry Arsenal), was selected since it is the first American Military pistol and remained the Army model for many years. The parts of this weapon were standardized and inter-changeable, thereby marking an advance in arms. Regimental Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches in height consisting of a shield blazoned as follows: Vert, a fasces palewise, axe Or and rods Proper (brown), thereover in fess a balance and in saltire overall a key with bow in sinister base and a sword with hilt in dexter base all of the second. The shield is enclosed at bottom and sides by a gold scroll of three folds inscribed ''ASSIST PROTECT DEFEND" in green letters and surmounted at the top by two crossed gold pistols. The regimental insignia was approved on 3 July 1986. Green and yellow are the colors associated with the Military Police Corps. The fasces is an ancient symbol of authority related to a Roman magistrate. The balance is symbolic of equal justice under law and the key signifies security. The sword represents the military. The crossed pistols are the symbol of the Military Police Corps mission: to uphold the law and to keep order. The motto "ASSIST PROTECT AND DEFEND" reflects the mission. Ordnance Corps US Army Ordnance Corps is a Sustainment (formerly combat service support) branch of the United States Army, headquartered at Fort Lee, Virginia. The contemporary mission of the Ordnance Corps is to "support the development, production, acquisition and sustainment of weapons systems and munitions, and to provide explosive ordnance disposal, during peace and war, to provide superior combat power to current and future forces of the United States Army." In both Korea and Vietnam, the Ordnance Corps provided materiel supply and maintenance, characteristic of its tradition of "service to the line, on the line, on time," and was active in the development of rockets, guided missiles and satellites. Under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) authorization, announced in 2005, the U.S. Army Ordnance Center and School was directed to relocate to Fort Lee, Virginia. Under BRAC, the U.S. Army Ordnance Center and School relocated from Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland to Fort Lee. Branch Insignia: A gold color metal shell and flame 1 inch in height. The use of the "shell and flame" by the Ordnance Corps dates back to 1832; it is considered to be the oldest branch insignia of the Army. Similar insignia had been used by the British Army. After its adoption by the American Army, the design was used by the Artillery as well as the Ordnance until 1834 when the crossed cannon was adopted by the Artillery. In 1835, the shell and flame was used on a button for members of the Ordnance Corps and the design had been used in various items worn on the uniform since it was first adopted. The simplicity of the shell and flame harmonizes with the armament of days gone by, while the action it connotes is applicable with equal force to the weapons of today. Regimental Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches in height overall consisting of two gray antique cannons in saltire on a white disc behind an encircling scroll in the form of a buckle red belt with, between the intersecting cannons and the belt, a black antique bomb, its scarlet flames issuing at the top of the device from behind the belt, which bears the inscription "ORDNANCE CORPS U.S.A." in gold letters. The regimental insignia for the Ordnance Corps was approved on 25 March 1986. The crossed cannons are representative of the Ordnance Corps' early relationship to the Artillery. The flaming bomb, also known as the shell and flame, represents the armament of days gone by, while the energy it connotes is applicable to the weapons of our own day. The cannoneer's belt, which encircles the flaming bomb and crossed cannons, is embossed with the words "ORDNANCE CORPS U.S.A." and represents the traditional association between munitions and armament. The white background symbolizes the Ordnance Corps' motto, "ARMAMENT FOR PEACE." Psychological Operations Corps Psychological operations are planned operations to convey selected information and indicators to foreign audiences to influence their emotions, motives, objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of foreign governments, organizations, groups, and individuals. The purpose of United States psychological operations (PSYOP) is to induce or reinforce behavior favorable to US objectives. They are an important part of the range of diplomatic, informational, military, and economic activities available to the US. They can be utilized during both peacetime and conflict. There are three main types: strategic, operational, and tactical. Strategic PSYOP include informational activities conducted by the US government agencies outside of the military arena, though many utilize Department of Defense (DOD) assets. Operational PSYOP are conducted across the range of military operations, including during peacetime, in a defined operational area to promote the effectiveness of the joint force commander's (JFC) campaigns and strategies. Tactical PSYOP are conducted in the area assigned to a tactical commander across the range of military operations to support the tactical mission against opposing forces. PSYOP is a component of information operations. PSYOP can encourage popular discontent with the opposition's leadership and by combining persuasion with a credible threat, degrade an adversary's ability to conduct or sustain military operations. They can also disrupt, confuse, and protract the adversary's decision-making process, undermining command and control. When properly employed, PSYOP have the potential to save the lives of friendly or enemy forces by reducing the adversary's will to fight. By lowering the adversary's morale and then its efficiency, PSYOP can also discourage aggressive actions by creating disaffection within their ranks, ultimately leading to surrender. The smallest organizational PSYOP element is the Tactical PSYOP Team (TPT). A TPT generally consists of a PSYOP team chief (Staff Sergeant or Sergeant), an assistant team chief (Sergeant or Specialist), and an additional soldier to serve as a gunner and to operate the speaker system (Specialist). A team is equipped with a Humvee fitted with a loud speaker, and often works with a local translator indigenous to the host or occupied country. Generally, each maneuver battalion-sized element in a theater of war or operational area has at least one TPT attached to it. Women are not allowed to serve on TPTs in a war zone due to a PSYOP team's high chance of contact with the enemy. PSYOP soldiers are required to complete nine weeks of Basic Combat Training. After basic training (BCT), the active duty-component PSYOP soldier is then required to attend Airborne training. All enlisted PSYOP soldiers report to Fort Bragg to complete the 13-week Psychological Operation Advanced Individual Training (AIT) course. Sometime after initial training, PSYOP soldiers will spend up to a year (or perhaps more for specific languages) in foreign language qualification training. Certain reserve soldiers serving in units designated as Airborne are also required to attend Airborne training, while language training and Airborne qualification for PSYOP soldiers assigned to non-Airborne units is awarded on a merit and need basis. Branch Insignia: Crossed daggers with blade forming a lightning bolt, superimposed by a knight chess piece. Authorized in November 1990 for wear by enlisted personnel assigned to the Psychological Operations Career Management Field (CMF 37). A collar insignia for officers was approved by the G-1 on 18 April 2004. The design is that of the enlisted collar insignia without the disc. The knight chess piece is a traditional symbol of special operations and signifies the ability to influence all types of warfare. The lightning bolts represent the psychological operations ability to strike anywhere with speed and the two swords represent the combat capabilities. The item changed to branch insignia with the approval of Psychological Operations as a branch in October 2006. Regimental Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18cm) in width overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Paly of three Argent (Silver Gray), Argent and Sable a wreath of laurel Proper and overall two lightning flash swords saltirewise superimposed by a chess knight Or. Attached below the shield is a green scroll inscribed "PERSUADE CHANGE INFLUENCE" in gold. The Insignia was authorized November 18, 1998. Silver gray, white and black represent the three types of Psychological Operations; white represents the overt processes, black is for the covert and gray for the hidden. The laurel wreath symbolizes honor and achievement. The center device is adapted from the Psychological Operations collar insignia. The chess knight represents the ability to act obliquely and influence all types of warfare. The lightning bolt swords denote speed and the ability to strike anywhere. Public Affairs The purpose of the U.S. Army Public Affairs branch is to deal with the media and community issues as well as for more specific limited purposes. Public affairs offices are staffed by a combination of officers, enlisted personnel, civilian officials and contract professionals. Public Affairs offices plays a key role in contingency and deployed operations. Public Affairs fulfills the Army's obligation to keep the American people and the Army informed, and helps to establish the conditions that lead to confidence in America's Army and its readiness to conduct operations in peacetime, conflict and war. The Public Affairs community of the United States Armed Forces consists of active duty and reserve officers, enlisted personnel, civilians and consultants to provide support for managing the flow of news and information for the military. Public Affairs Officers (PAO) and enlisted members often attend the Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Ft. Meade, Maryland prior to their first duty station and for online and instructor-led professional development coursework and advanced training throughout their careers. Branch Insignia: A vertical broadsword set against a cross quill with pen and a lightning bolt. Authorized on 26 October 1989 for wear by enlisted personnel assigned to the Public Affairs career management field (CMF 46). The quill identifies the functional area of public affairs and journalism. It crosses a lightning flash symbolizing speed and the transmittal or broadcasting of information. They are combined with a broadsword, underscoring the tactical value and impact that dissemination of information has in total military preparedness and in combat readiness. Officers assigned to public affairs continue to wear their basic branch insignia. Quartermaster Corps The United States Army Quartermaster Corps is a Sustainment (formerly combat service support (CSS)) branch of the United States Army. It is also one of three U.S. Army logistics branches, the others being the Transportation Corps and the Ordnance Corps. The Quartermaster Corps is the U.S. Army's oldest logistics branch, established 16 June 1775. On that date the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution providing for "one Quartermaster General of the grand army and a deputy, under him, for the separate army." From 1775 to 1912 this organization was known as the Quartermaster Department. In 1912, Congress consolidated the former Subsistence, Pay, and Quartermaster Departments to create the Quartermaster Corps. Quartermaster units and soldiers have served in every U.S. military operation from the Revolutionary War to current operations in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom). Quartermaster detachments, companies and battalions are normally assigned to corps or higher level commands. Divisions and smaller units have multifunctional support battalions which combine functional areas from the Army Transportation Corps, Army Quartermaster Corps, Army Ordnance Corps, and the Army Medical Service Department. Quartermaster organizations include field service, general supply, petroleum supply and petroleum pipeline, aerial delivery (rigger), water, and mortuary affairs units. Most are company level except petroleum & water which have battalion and group level units. Branch Insignia: gold color eagle with wings spread perched on a wheel with a blue felloe set with thirteen gold stars, having thirteen gold spokes and the hub white with a red center; superimposed on the wheel a gold sword and key crossed diagonally hilt and bow up. The insignia is 3/4 inches in height. The insignia of the Quartermaster Department was approved in 1895. The design was retained when the Corps was established in 1912. After World War I, the earlier design, with the eagle's head superimposed on one wing, was changed to depict the head above the wings. The wagon wheel is symbolic of transportation and symbolize the original colonies and the origin of the Corps during the Revolutionary War. The sword, indicative of the military forces, and the key, alluding to storekeeping functions, symbolize the control of military supplies by the Quartermaster Corps. The eagle symbolizes our nation; red, white, and blue are the national colors. Regimental Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 inch in height consisting of a gold eagle with wings spread and head lowered looking to his right and standing upon a wheel with a blue felloe set with thirteen gold stars, having thirteen gold spokes and the hub white with a red center; superimposed on the wheel a gold sword and key crossed diagonally hilt and bow up, all on a black background and resting upon a wreath of green laurel terminating at either side below the eagle's wings at the upper end of the sword and key. Attached below the device is a gold scroll inscribed "SUPPORTING VICTORY" in black. The original regimental insignia was all gold and approved on 31 March 1986. The design was changed on 7 June 1994 to add color to the insignia. The device utilizes the traditional Quartermaster Corps branch insignia with the eagle in a slightly different configuration known historically as the "Regimental Eagle". The eagle symbolizes our nation; the wagon wheel is symbolic of transportation and delivery of supplies. The stars and spokes of the wheel symbolize the original colonies. The sword, indicative of the military forces, and the key, alluding to the storekeeping functions, symbolize the control of military supplies by the Quartermaster Corps. The wreath signifies honor and achievement. Signal Corps The United States Army Signal Corps develop, test, provide, and manage communications and information systems support for the command and control of combined arms forces. It was established in 1860, the brainchild of United States Army Major Albert J. Myer, and has had an important role from the American Civil War through the current day. Over its history, it had the initial responsibility for a number of functions and new technologies that are currently managed by other organizations, including military intelligence, weather forecasting, and aviation. The mission of the Signal Corps is to provide and manage communications and information systems support for the command and control of combined arms forces. Signal support includes Network Operations (information assurance, information dissemination management, and network management) and management of the electromagnetic spectrum. Signal support encompasses all aspects of designing, installing, maintaining, and managing information networks to include communications links, computers, and other components of local and wide area networks. Signal forces plan, install, operate, and maintain voice and data communications networks that employ single and multi-channel satellite, tropospheric scatter, terrestrial microwave, switching, messaging, video-teleconferencing, visual information, and other related systems. They integrate tactical, strategic and sustaining base communications, information processing and management systems into a seamless global information network that supports knowledge dominance for Army, joint and coalition operations. Modern warfare utilizes three main sorts of Signal soldiers. Some are assigned to specific military bases ("Base Ops"), and they are charged with installation, operation and maintenance of the base communications infrastructure along with hired civilian contracted companies. Others are members of non-Signal Army units, providing communications capability for those with other jobs to accomplish (e.g. infantry, medical, armor, etc.) in much the same way as, say, the unit supply sections, unit clerks, or chemical specialists. The third major sort of Signaleer is one assigned to a Signal unit. That is to say, a unit whose only mission is to provide communications links between the Army units in their area of operations and other signal nodes in further areas served by other Signal units. Since 11 September 2001 the Signal Corps has been supporting the Global War on Terror in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Signal Corps is currently fielding the Warfighter Information Network – Tactical (WIN-T). It will eventually provide “On-The-Move” down to the Company level for Maneuver, Fires and Aviation Brigades, and will fully support the Future Combat Systems (FCS) program; and also provide protected Satellite Communications “On-The-Move” capability against jamming, detection and intercept and will be aligned with the Telecommunications Satellite (TSAT) program. Branch Insignia: Two signal flags crossed, dexter flag white with a red center, the sinister flag red with a white center, staffs gold, with a flaming torch of gold color metal upright at center of crossed flags; 7/8 inch in height. "Crossed flags" have been used by the Signal Corps since 1868, when they were prescribed for wear on the uniform coat by enlisted men of the Signal Corps. In 1884, a burning torch was added to the insignia and the present design adopted on 1 July 1884. The flags and torch are symbolic of signaling or communication. Regimental Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches in height consisting of a gold eagle grasping a horizontal baton from which is suspended a red signal flag with a white center, enclosing the flag from a star at the bottom, a wreath of laurel all gold and a top left and right a white scroll inscribed "PRO PATRIA" at left and "VIGILANS" at right in gold. The regimental insignia was approved on 20 Mar 1986. The gold eagle holds in his talons a golden baton, from which descends a signal flag. The design originated in 1865 from a meeting of Signal Corps officers, led by Major Albert Myer, the Chief Signal Officer, in Washington, DC. The badge was a symbol of faithful service and good fellowship for those who served together in war and was called the "Order of the Signal Corps." The motto "PRO PATRIA VIGILANS" was adopted from the Signal School insignia and serves to portray the cohesiveness of Signal soldiers and their affiliation with their regimental home. The gold laurel wreath depicts the myriad of achievements through strength made by the Corps since its inception. The battle star centered on the wreath represents formal recognition for participation in combat. It adorned a Signal flag and was first awarded to Signal Corps soldiers in 1862. The battle star typifies the close operational relationship between the combined arms and the Signal Corps. The Coat of Arms has the Signal flag suspended from a baton, which was adopted from the badge that originated in 1865 and was called the "Order of the Signal Corps." The bronze battle star represents formal recognition for participation in combat; it adorned a signal flag and was first awarded to Signal Corps soldiers in 1862. Orange and white are the traditional colors of the Signal Corp. The hand on the crest personifying the Corps has grasped the lightning from the heavens, and is applying to military communications. Army Special Forces (Green Berets) United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets) are a special operations force of the United States Army tasked with six primary missions: unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, direct action, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism. The first two emphasize language, cultural, and training skills in working with foreign troops. Other duties include combat search and rescue (CSAR), security assistance, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, humanitarian demining, counter-proliferation, psychological operations, manhunts, and counter-drug operations; other components of the United States Special Operations Command or other U.S. government activities may also specialize in these secondary areas. Their official motto is De oppresso liber (Latin: To Liberate the Oppressed), a reference to one of their primary missions, training and advising foreign indigenous forces Branch Insignia: Two crossed arrows 3/4 inch in height and 1 3/8 inches in width all gold color. The Special Forces branch insignia was authorized in 1987 for wear by personnel in the Special Forces branch. It was previously authorized in 1984 for wear by enlisted personnel in Career Management Field 18 (Special Operations). Originally (from 1890 to 1926), crossed arrows were prescribed for wear by Indian Scouts. During World War II, the crossed arrows were worn as collar insignia by officers and enlisted personnel assigned to the First Special Service Force. Regimental Insignia: Personnel assigned to the Special Forces Branch are all affiliated to the 1st Special Forces since there is only one Special Forces regiment. The insignia is a silver color metal and enamel device consisting of a pair of silver arrows in saltire, points up and surmounted at their junction by a silver dagger with black handle point up; all over and between a black motto scroll arcing to base and inscribed "DE OPPRESSO LIBER" (Liberate From Oppression) in silver letters. The shield of the Coat of Arms was approved for the First Special Service Force of World War II on 26 February 1943. The knife is of a distinctive shape and pattern and was issued only to the First Special Service Force. The crest is the crossed arrows from the collar insignia worn by the First Special Service Force in World War II but changed from gold to silver for harmony with the shield and to make a difference from the collar insignia. The coat of arms and distinctive unit insignia was approved on 8 July 1960. Transportation Corps The Transportation Corps was established 31 July 1942 by Executive Order 9082. The Transportation Corps is a combat service support branch of the U.S. Army, and was headquartered at Fort Eustis, Virginia, but has now moved to Fort Lee, Virginia. The Transportation Corps is responsible for the movement of personnel and material by truck, rail, air, and sea. Its motto is "Spearhead of Logistics," and it is currently the third smallest branch of the Army.[1] According to an article in the Army News Service, "The first students to attend classes at the new Transportation School will be those enrolled in the transportation management coordinator course - MOS 88N. It is the only one of the seven transportation MOS-producing courses that will be taught at Fort Lee (the others are taught elsewhere)."[2] For example, Watercraft Operator (MOS 88K) and Watercraft Engineer (MOS 88L) training is conducted at Fort Eustis, Virginia, as Fort Eustis is the main housing of the Army's Watercraft. Motor Transportation Operator (truck driver, MOS 88M) training is conducted at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Railway training for Army Reserve soldiers (MOSs 88P, 88T, and 88U) and Army civilian employees has remained at Fort Eustis, as there are only warehouse tracks and no railway system available for training at Fort Lee. The Vietnam War saw the most diversified assortment of transportation units ever assembled. For over a decade the Transportation Corps provided continuous support for American and allied forces through an unimproved tropical environment using watercraft, amphibians, motor trucks and Transportation Corps aircraft. On 31 July 1986, the Transportation Corps was inducted into the U.S. Army Regimental System. In 1990 the Transportation Corps faced one of its greatest challenges with the onset of the Gulf War. During Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, the Transportation Corps were working out of ports on three continents demonstrating its ability to deploy and sustain massive forces. Most recently, operations in Somalia, Rwanda, Haiti, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq have also seen the deployment of large numbers of transportation units. Branch Insignia: A ship's steering wheel, superimposed thereon a shield charged with a winged car wheel on a rail, all of gold color metal, 1 inch in height. In 1919, "a winged car wheel, flanged, on a rail, surrounded by a rim one inch in diameter" was approved as the insignia of the Transportation Corps. The Army Reorganization Act, 4 June 1920, placed all transportation except military railways under the Quartermaster General. The Transportation Corps essentially in its present form was organized on 31 July 1942 as a result of the Army reorganization of 1942 and has functioned since then as one of the services. The present Transportation Corps insignia is based on that of the World War I Corps, with shield and ship's wheel added. The winged car wheel is for rail transportation and the Mariner's helm for transport by water. The U.S. highway marker shield is for land transportation. Regimental Insignia: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches in height overall consisting of a ship's steering wheel bearing a shield charged with a winged car wheel on a rail, all gold centered upon a brick red spearhead point up, all standing upon a curving gold scroll spanning the lower tips of the spearhead and inscribed "SPEARHEAD OF LOGISTICS" in blue letters. The insignia was approved on 7 March 1986. Brick red and golden yellow are the colors associated with the Transportation Corps. The traditional insignia of the branch superimposed on the spearhead denotes the spirit of the motto. The branch insignia consists of the car wheel symbolizing rail transportation, the wing symbolizing air transportation, a mariner’s helm for water transportation, and a U.S. highway marker shield for land transportation. As always, the above insignia are available on a limited number of selected quality products via my “Military Insignia” galleries at CafePress , SpreadShirt and Zazzle. You may simply follow the direct links in the article to navigate to the corresponding galleries. I will also make my insignia designs available free of charge to any military units and personnel, for any non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families. In addition, I would make my designs available free of charge to any military branches, formations and units for any non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit-related web design, training materials or presentations, as I did on many occasions in the past. The above information provided in part by Wikipedia, The Institute of Heraldry, Global Security.

[Edited on Sept. 24, 2014] This collection of US Navy SEAL insignia was in the works for quite some time, as a part of my “Military Insignia 3D” project. One of the first SEAL patches was the original SEAL Team Six patch, which I created in the wake of successful “Operation Neptune Spear”, a well-known kill-or-capture mission with Osama bin Laden as a main target. The first version of the patch can be seen here. Since then I have substantially improved my techniques, most notably – creating cloth patches with simulated fabric textures. So, when the time came for my “Navy SEAL Teams” collection, I have created a new version of ST-6 patch, which can be seen below. Here you will also find a re-make of my Navy SEAL badge, its full-gold version, to be exact, as well as latest versions of NSWC and DEVGRU emblems. While working on this particular collection, I decided to focus of the early original versions of the SEAL Team patches, which also happen to be the most renowned ones. At the same time, I have another collection in the works, which will showcase a number of lesser-known and obscure SEAL Team patches. Stay tuned. In the meantime, the “Navy SEAL Teams” collection is finally complete, and readers of this blog will be the first ones to see it in its entirety. Stay tuned for my next project - Naval Special Warfare Groups insignia collection, as well as less know SEAL Team patches from “Military Insignia 3D”… The United States Navy SEa, Air and Land (SEAL) Teams, commonly known as Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy's principal special operations force and is a part of the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) as well as the maritime component of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Navy SEALs can trace their roots to the Second World War. The United States Navy recognized the need for the covert reconnaissance of landing beaches and coastal defenses. As a result, the Amphibious Scout and Raider School was established in 1942 at Fort Pierce, Florida. The unit's acronym ("SEAL") is derived from their capacity to operate at sea, in the air, and on land – but it is their ability to work underwater that separates SEALs from most other military units in the world. The experience gained from operating in the ocean and freshwater battlefields has shaped their identity and, as a result, they are regarded as being amongst the most highly skilled and trained amphibious units in the world. Navy SEALs are trained and have been deployed in a wide variety of missions, including direct action and special reconnaissance operations, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, and other missions. Without exception, all SEALs are male members of either the United States Navy or the United States Marine Corps. The CIA's highly secretive Special Activities Division (SAD) and more specifically its elite Special Operations Group (SOG) often recruit operators from the SEAL Teams. Joint Navy SEALs and CIA operations go back to the famed MACV-SOG during the Vietnam War. This cooperation still exists today and is seen in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in the finding and killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. SEAL training is extremely rigorous, having a reputation as some of the toughest anywhere in the world. The dropout rate for BUDs classes are sometimes over 90 percent. The average Navy SEAL spends over a year in a series of formal training environments before being awarded the Special Warfare Operator Naval Rating and the Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) 5326 Combatant Swimmer (SEAL) or, in the case of commissioned naval officers, the designation Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) Officer. SEAL Teams are organized into two groups: Naval Special Warfare Group One (West Coast), and Naval Special Warfare Group Two (East Coast), which come under the command of Naval Special Warfare Command, stationed at NAB Coronado, California. Currently, there are nine confirmed Navy SEAL Teams. The key word here is "confirmed", because there is a number of teams, existence and names of which is a closely guarded secret. The original SEAL Teams in the Vietnam War were separated between West Coast (Team ONE) and East Coast (Team TWO) SEALs. The current SEAL Team deployments include Teams 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10. Team 6 is no longer identified by this name. The Teams deploy as Naval Special Warfare Squadrons or Special Operations Task Forces and can deploy anywhere in the world. Squadrons will normally be deployed and fall under a Joint Task Force (JTF) or a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) as a Special Operations Task Force (SOTF). Each SEAL Team is commanded by a Navy Commander (O-5), and has a number of operational SEAL platoons and a headquarters element. A SEAL Team has a Staff Headquarters element and three 40-man Troops. Each Troop consist of a Headquarters element consisting of a Troop Commander, typically a Lieutenant Commander (O-4), a Troop Senior Enlisted (E-8), a Targeting/Operations Officer (O-2/3) and a Targeting/Operations Leading/Chief Petty Officer (E-6/7). Under the HQ element are two SEAL platoons of 16–20 men (two officers, 14–16 enlisted SEALs, and sometimes two enlisted EOD Operators); a company-sized Combat Service Support (CSS) and/or Combat Support (CS) consisting of staff N-codes (the Army and Marine Corps use S-codes); N1 Administrative support, N2 Intelligence, N3 Operations, N4 Logistics, N5 Plans and Targeting, N6 Communications, N7 Training, and N8 Air/Medical. Each Troop can be easily task organized into four squads of eight 4–5 man fire teams for operational purposes. The size of each SEAL “Team” with Troops and support staff is approximately 300 personnel. The typical SEAL platoon has an OIC (Officer in Charge, usually a Lieutenant (O-3), an AOIC (Assistant Officer in Charge, usually a Lieutenant (junior grade), O-2), a platoon chief (E-7), an Operations NCO/LPO (Leading Petty Officer, E-6) and other operators E-4 to E-6. The core leadership in the Troop and Platoon are the Commander/OIC and the Senior Enlisted NCO (Senior Chief/Chief). Troop core skills consist of: Sniper, Breacher, Communicator, Maritime/Engineering, Close Air Support, Corpsman, Point-man/Navigator, Primary Driver/Navigator (Rural/Urban/Protective Security), Heavy Weapons Operator, Sensitive Site Exploitation, Air Operations Master, Lead Climber, Lead Diver/Navigator, Interrogator, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Technical Surveillance, and Advanced Special Operations. Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, a naval base in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is home to SEAL Teams 2, 4, 8, and 10. Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, a naval base in Coronado, California, is home to SEAL Teams 1, 3, 5, and 7. There is also a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) unit, SDVT-1, located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. SDVT-2 was based in Virginia; it was disestablished and merged into SDVT-1. SDV Teams are SEAL teams with an added underwater delivery capability. An SDV platoon consists of 12–15 SEALs. Naval Special Warfare Group ONE (NSWG-1) Naval Special Warfare Group ONE is located at NAB Coronado, CA. Naval Special Warfare Groups (NSWG) are echelon II Captain (O6) major commands established by NAVSPECWARCOM to equip, support, and provide command and control elements and trained and ready SEAL and SDV platoons and forces to the geographic CINCs. NSW Groups ONE and TWO are organized into: • Three SEAL Teams, comprised of eight 16-man platoons, which conduct reconnaissance, DA, UW, FID, and other operations in maritime or riverine environments; • One SDV Team which operates and maintains submersible systems that deliver and recover SEALs in hostile areas and conduct reconnaissance and DA missions; and • NSW Units, which are small command and control elements located outside the continental United States, support other NSW forces assigned to theater SOCs or components of naval task forces. Naval Special Warfare Group ONE (NSWG 1) in Coronado, California, is one of the six major operational components of the Naval Special Warfare Command. It is commanded by a Navy Captain (O-6). NSWG 1 has under its operational and administrative control, SEAL Team ONE, SEAL Team THREE, SEAL Team FIVE, and SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE. Administrative control of NSWU-1 AND NSWU-3 is with Naval Special Warfare Group ONE. The group deploys Naval Special Warfare forces worldwide to meet the training, exercise, contingency, and wartime requirements of the theater Commanders. Naval Special Warfare Group ONE is capable of task-organizing to support worldwide commitments as a deployed Naval Special Warfare Task Group (NSWTG), as they did during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. NSWG1 geographically concentrates on the Pacific and Central Commands areas of responsibility. • NSW Unit ONE (NSWU-1) • NSW Unit THREE (NSWU-3) • SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE (SDVT-1) • SEAL Team ONE (ST-1) • SEAL Team THREE (ST-3) • SEAL Team FIVE (ST-5) • Mobile Communications Team (MCT) • Logistics & Support Unit Naval Special Warfare Group TWO (NSWG-2) Naval Special Warfare Group TWO is located at NAB Little Creek, VA. Naval Special Warfare Groups (NSWG) are echelon II Captain (O6) major commands established by NAVSPECWARCOM to equip, support, and provide command and control elements and trained and ready SEAL and SDV platoons and forces to the geographic CINCs. NSW Groups ONE and TWO are organized into: • Three SEAL Teams, comprised of eight 16-man platoons, which conduct reconnaissance, DA, UW, FID, and other operations in maritime or riverine environments; • One SDV Team which operates and maintains submersible systems that deliver and recover SEALs in hostile areas and conduct reconnaissance and DA missions; and • NSW Units, which are small command and control elements located outside the continental United States, support other NSW forces assigned to theater SOCs or components of naval task forces. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO (NSWG-2), located in Little Creek, VA, is the one of the six major operational components of the Naval Special Warfare Command. NSWG-2 is commanded by a Navy Captain (O-6). NSWG-2 has under its operational and administrative control, SEAL Team TWO, SEAL Team FOUR, SEAL Team EIGHT, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team TWO, Naval Special Warfare Unit FOUR and Naval Special Warfare Unit TEN. Administrative control of Naval Special Warfare Unit TWO and Naval Special Warfare Unit EIGHT is with Naval Special Warfare Group TWO. The group deploys Naval Special Warfare forces worldwide to meet training, exercise, contingency, and wartime requirements of the theater Commanders. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO is capable of task organizing to support worldwide commitments as a deployed Naval Special Warfare Task Group, NSWTG, as they did during Operation JUST CAUSE. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO geographically concentrates on the Atlantic, Europe and Southern Command areas of responsibility. Subordinate Units: • NSW Unit TWO (NSWU-2) • NSW Unit FOUR (NSWU-4) • NSW Unit TEN (NSWU-10) • RM Poole • SEAL Team TWO (ST-2) • SEAL Team FOUR (ST-4) • SEAL Team EIGHT (ST-8) • Logistics & Support Unit Naval Special Warfare Group THREE (NSWG-3) Naval Special Warfare Group 3 (NSWG-3), based at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in California, is one of six constituent formations of the United States Naval Special Warfare Command. Until 2008, NSWG-3 was composed of two SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams: SDVT-1 in Pearl Harbor and SDVT-2 in Little Creek. In 2008, SDVT-2 was disestablished and merged into SDVT-1, which is now headquartered in San Diego and operates detachments in Pearl Harbor and Little Creek. SDV Teams are SEAL teams with an added underwater delivery capability. An SDV platoon consists of 12-15 SEALs. SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1) is commanded by a Navy Commander (O-5). The table of equipment for the unit includes three operational SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDV) and a Dry Deck Shelter (DDS). The normal table of organization includes three task units and a headquarters element. Each SDV Task Unit operates independently from a host submarine in the conduct of Naval Special Warfare missions. SDV Task Units typically deploy aboard host submarines, but may be deployed from shore or surface ships. SDVT-1 conducts operations throughout the Pacific Command's and Central Command's geographic areas of responsibility. SDVT-2 was disestablished on 8 August, 2008, and merged with SDVT-1. Formerly consisting of 28 navy divers in the command in addition to SEALs and SDV technicians, SDVT-2 was reportedly replaced by a small Dry Deck Shelter detachment. NSWG-3 is the organization tasked with developing expertise in deploying Naval Special Warfare assets from submarines. Current non-classified methods of deployment include the SEAL Delivery Vehicle, Dry Deck Shelter and Advanced SEAL Delivery System. Naval Special Warfare Group FOUR (NSWG-4) The Naval Special Warfare Group-4 (NSWG-4), was established Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW-21 Restructure Force changes. the Group is located at Little Creek, Naval Amphibious Base in Va. She is subordinate to US SOCOM and Naval Special Warfare Command. NSWG-4's subordinate units are Special Boat Teams 12, 20, and 22. NSWG-4 is tasked to organize, equip and train SWCC crews to assigned combatant craft at the Special Boat Teams to support Naval Special Warfare. The Group is responsible for the development and testing of Combatant craft and associated ordinance and equipment. NSWG-4 is also responsible for the development and evaluating operational doctrine, tactics and procedures. NSWG-4 monitors and certifies the Combat Readiness of assigned craft and SWCC. NSWG-4 Operational areas of responsibility are the World’s coastal and riverine areas. NSWG-4 is a Staff Organization, commanded by a senior SEAL Captain with many departments filled by SEALs and senior SWCC holding positions in Operations, Training and Command Master Chief. Special Boat Detachments (SBD) like its earlier historic namesakes MST-1,2, and 3 are small Spec Boat Dets. deployed from its parent Special Boat Team. The SBD will form up, train, and qualify on the combatant craft to be used. They will also receive all combat related skills, training and tactics for missions they will conduct overseas. Once the training cycle is completed the Special Boat Team training Department will conduct a Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE). NSWG-4 may also monitor the ORE. This is a realistic as possible Final Battle Problem that will test and grade all skills learned by the detachment. Once they passed the ORE the Special Boat Team and NSWG-4 will certify them ready for deployment. The SBD is then sent overseas on a Operational deployment to conduct Maritime Naval Special Warfare at the orders of the SOF In-Theater Commander The deployment is normally six months long. The SBD will normally support a SEAL Platoon, but with NSW-21 Force changes several SBDs will deploy together with a SEAL Squadron and its platoons of SEALs. The SBD normally support SEAL operations, but capable of conducting certain operations with other SOF units and Marine RECON. The Special Boat Detachments are capable of conducting certain Special Operation Missions designed for the Boats and SWCC. SBDs are on the tip of the spear when deployed, conducting, or on station to conduct "Real World" Operations. SEAL Team 1 SEAL Team 1 is based out of Coronado, California and consists of eight SEAL platoons in total. The Team is headed up by a Navy Commander and focuses its work and efforts in Southeast Asia. In short, Navy SEAL Team 1 deploys said platoons in Guam to the Naval Special Warfare Unit One. It also conducts trainings known as DFTs or Deployments and Training in both the Pacific and Central theaters. On January 1, 1962, Navy SEAL Team 1 was put into operation. The first recruits consisted of men who were already skilled in Underwater Demolition and were part of UDT Teams 11 – 12. These men were then put through a variety of other trainings throughout various military schools in order to gain the skills necessary in order to operate within jungle based terrain, which was needed at the time. Though the first SEALs who made up Navy SEAL Team 1 were used to dealing with near-shore missions, they had to learn to operate in various elements including inland travel, which is why they were put through more rigorous training than other branches of the military. Throughout the history of SEAL Team 1, two officers were commissioned to travel to Vietnam in order to determine if the newly formed Navy SEALs could be of service in the area. After this meeting two platoons from SEAL Team 1 were sent to Vietnam where they served a six month tour, wherein they were responsible for training the Vietnamese in general military operations. It is recorded in history that Navy SEAL Team 1 was ultimately responsible for an estimated one-thousand confirmed kills and nearly another 400 probable kills during this time in the Vietnam War. SEAL Team 2 Little Creek, Virginia serves as the home and headquarters for Navy SEAL Team 2, which like Navy SEAL Team 1 is led by a Navy Commander. Eight platoons in total make up the military force behind Navy SEAL Team 2. As far as Deployment and Training is concerned, Navy SEAL Team 2 focuses in Europe, wherein it sends platoons to Germany where they serve on Amphibious Ships which are deployed to fleets 2 and 6. It should be noted that Navy SEAL 2 is the only SEAL Team that has arctic warfare capabilities. This is one of the most unique traits of SEAL Team 2 that sets it apart from all others. When Navy SEAL 2 was first formed it was lead by LT. John F. Callahan and consisted almost solely of members from UDT-21. Additional statistics state that Navy SEAL 2 began with a total of ten officers and fifty general ranks. One notable Navy SEAL who served as part of Navy SEAL Team 2 is Harry Constance who joined in 1966. Within four years Harry Constance had completed 300 missions during combat in Vietnam and also captured nearly 200 enemy prisoners. Harry Constance is in fact considered to be one of the most well recognized SEALs from his time. All his endeavors resulted in 3 bronze star medals and after being wounded in battle a Purple Heart. Harry Constance was in fact idolized by the majority of men who served not only as part of Navy SEAL Team 2, but also all other Navy SEAL Teams that were in operation at the time. SEAL Team 3 Lead by a Navy Commander, Navy SEAL 3 located in Coronado, California consists of a total of eight platoons and also features a headquarters element. Navy SEAL Team 3 focuses its service in Southwest Asia. Additionally, Navy SEAL 3 deals with deployment of platoons to Guam via Naval Special Warfare Unit one. These platoons are deployed amongst the 3rd, 5th, and 7th fleets aboard various amphibious ships. The Central and Pacific Theaters are where the Deployments and Trainings (DFTs) of Navy SEAL Team 3 take place. Throughout history Navy SEAL 3 has served in numerous combat missions. In August of 1990 when Iraq took to invading Kuwait, Navy SEAL Team 3 was sent to take part in various missions in the area. Additionally, in more recent history SEAL Team 3 served in Afghanistan wherein they once again took part in various missions, where much of the time they used what are known as Desert Patrol Vehicles which have widely been associated solely with Navy SEAL Team 3. Navy SEAL Team 3 is part of Naval Special Warfare Group 1 along with Teams 1, 5, and 7. Navy SEAL Team 3 is also considered to be a West Coast Team. Navy SEAL Team 3 is a highly trained and motivated unit that provides numerous functions for the US Military. Much of what Navy SEAL Team 3 has accomplished, along with other Navy SEAL Teams is generally kept quiet. Though their successes are generally announced and have gone down in history we may never know everything that Navy SEAL 3 has accomplished for this great country. SEAL Team 4 10 operational platoons make up Navy SEAL Team 4 which is based out of Little Creek, Virginia. Navy SEAL Team 4 is headed by a Navy Commander and also features a headquarters element apart from the 10 platoons that make it whole. The focus of Navy SEAL 4 is concentrated in both South America and Central America. When it comes to basic deployment, Navy SEAL Team 4 deploys platoons to amphibious ships amongst the second fleet along Naval Special Warfare Unit Eight located in Panama. Additionally, Navy SEAL Team 4 conducts Deployments and Trainings (DFTs) in both the Central American theater and South American theater. One unique thing that sets Navy SEAL Team 4 apart from all other Navy SEAL Teams is the fact that it features a “visible standing language capability”; this language being Spanish. All other Navy SEAL Teams have a language focus of English. Navy SEAL Team 4 is part of Naval Special Warfare Group 2 along with Teams 2, 8, and 10. Navy SEAL Team 4 is also considered to be a East Coast Team. Throughout Navy SEAL history Navy SEAL Team 4 has taken part in various combat missions. In 1983 Navy SEAL Team 4 along with Navy SEAL Team 6 were sent to Grenada to provide protection for US citizens who were on the island. Team 4 was first given the “Green Light” to prepare the mission which was then given to Team 6. However, Team 4 provided much needed reconnaissance and assistance to the US Marine Corps who were focused on landing at a airfield. Team 4 is famous for their assistance and bravery in Grenada. SEAL Team 5 Under the direction of a Navy Commander Navy SEAL Team 5 consists of a headquarters element and 8 active platoons. The main focus of concentration of Navy SEAL Team 5 consists of geographic areas is the Northern Pacific. These platoons are deployed among the 3rd, 5th, and 7th fleets amongst Naval Special Warfare Unit One located in Guam. The Deployments and Trainings of Navy SEAL Team 5 take place in both the Pacific and Central Theaters. Navy SEAL Team 5 is part of Naval Special Warfare Group 1 along with Teams 1, 3, and 7. Navy SEAL Team 5 is also considered to be a West Coast Team. At various times throughout history Navy SEAL Team 5 has been called to action. Most notably in 1990, Navy SEAL Team 5 was called to service after Kuwait was invaded by Iraq. Members of SEAL Team 5 entered Kuwait along with various Navy Special Boat Units. These units made it into Kuwait before the borders were sealed off by the Iraqi’s. Throughout the siege in Kuwait Navy SEAL Team 5 executed various successful missions for the Unites States Military. No matter what Navy SEAL Team 5 is called to do they always complete their missions with the utmost professionalism and effectiveness needed by our country in times of need. They are a strong line of defense that has been heralded for their bravery and that will always be here to assist in the protection of the American people. Just as they have been there in the past, they will be here in the future to protect everything that America stands for. SEAL Team 6 The United States Navy SEALs Team Six is also known as United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) or DEVGRU. It is one of the United States' two secretive Tier One counter-terrorism and Special Mission Units (SMUs); the other such group is 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force). Most recently DEVGRU's designation had been changed by the Defense Department to a new name. However, the new name is currently classified. When SEAL Team Six was first created it was devoted exclusively to counter-terrorism with a worldwide maritime responsibility; its objectives typically included targets such as ships, oil rigs, naval bases, or other civilian or military bases that were accessible from the sea or inland waterways. DEVGRU's full mission is classified but is thought to include preemptive, pro-active counterterrorist operations, counter-proliferation (efforts to prevent the spread of both conventional weapons and weapons of mass destruction), as well as assassination or recovery of high-value targets (HVTs) from unfriendly nations. DEVGRU is one of only a handful of U.S. special mission units authorized to use preemptive actions against terrorists and their facilities. On May 1/2 2011, DEVGRU was involved in the operation “Neptune Spear “ that killed Osama bin Laden at his compound in the affluent suburb of Abottabad, Pakistan. The operation was carried out with support of other JSOC units, the Technical Application Programs Office and the Aviation Technology Evaluation Group. The raid also involved close collaboration with the CIA, the National Security Agency (NSA), and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. SEAL Team 7 SEAL Team 7 was commissioned March 2002 and is a subordinate command of Naval Special Warfare Group 1. Since its commissioning, SEAL Team 7 has made three combat deployments to both the Central and Pacific Command theatres of operation in support of the global war on terrorism. SEAL Team 7 recently returned from a six-month deployment in Iraq and the Pacific theater in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the global war on terrorism. Their actions helped increase security and stability in the Al Anbar province of Iraq and their contributions were significant in degrading the capability of terrorist organizations in Iraq and around the world. SEAL Team 8 SEAL Team 8 is based at Little Creek, VA. Commanded by a Navy Commander (O-5), it has eight operational platoons and a headquarters element. SEAL Team EIGHT’s geographic area of concentration is the Caribbean, Africa, and the Mediterranean. SEAL Team Eight deploys platoons with carrier battle groups (CVBGs) and amphibious ships in support of Second, Fifth, and Sixth Fleet commanders, and conducts DFTs throughout the Caribbean, Africa, and the Mediterranean littoral. SEAL Team 10 SEAL Team 10 is comprised of 6 platoons. Its headquarters is in Little Creek, Virginia. It is a part of the Naval Special Warfare Group 2, along with the SEAL Teams 2, 4, and 8. Most recently SEAL Team 10 was deployed to Afghanistan in support of operation “Enduring Freedom”. One of the most notable operations, which put SEAL Team 10 on the media radar, was operation “Red Wings”, during which SEAL Team 10 operators were heavily outnumbered by Afghan militants, and lost three of their members. Naval Special Warfare Unit Two (NSWU-2) Naval Special Warfare Unit Two (NSWU-2) is one of subordinate units of the SOCEUR (Special Operations Command Europe). Naval Special Warfare Unit TWO is based in Stuttgart, Germany. NSWU-2 provides operational support to forward deployed platoons and conducts theater planning for contingencies and exercises for Naval Special Warfare forces in the EUCOM theater of operations. NSWU-2 is capable of forming the nucleus of a Naval Special Warfare Task Unit. Naval Special WarfareUnit Ten (NSWU-10) NavalSpecial Warfare Unit TEN (NSWU-10) is based at Naval Station Rota, Spain. Commanded by a NSW Commander (O5), it has three operational SDV Task Units and a headquarters element. SDVT-2 conducts operations throughout the US Atlantic, Southern, and European commands. Its mission is to provide tactical type training opportunities for NSW forces deployed aboard Sixth Fleet ships during slack periods while on routine deployments, so NSW forces can maintain perishable skills. NSWU-10 is responsible for all NSW exercises conducted in Spain. NSWU-10 is under the operational and administrative command of Naval Special Warfare Group TWO. NSWU-10 conducts close coordination with Special Operations Command, Europe. SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams (SDVT-1; SDVT-2) [Edited on Dec. 8, 2012] The SEAL Delivery Vehicle or (SDV) is a manned submersible and a type of Swimmer Delivery Vehicle used to deliver United States Navy SEALs and their equipment for special operations missions and is also operated by the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service who operates 3 SDV's. The SDV is used primarily for covert or clandestine missions to denied access areas (either held by hostile forces or where military activity would draw notice and objection). It should not be confused with the larger, dry submersible called the Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS). The SDV is flooded, and the swimmers ride exposed to the water, breathing from the vehicle's compressed air supply or using their own SCUBA gear. (The ASDS is dry inside, with a full life support and air conditioning system.) The SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) unit, SDVT-1, is a subordinate of the Naval Special Warfare Group 3, now headquartered in Coronado. They operate detachments in Pearl Harbor and Little Creek. SDVT-2 was based in Virginia; it was disestablished and merged into SDVT-1. SDV Teams are SEAL teams with an added underwater delivery capability. An SDV platoon consists of 12–15 SEALs. Special Boat Team-12 (SBT-12) [Edited on Jan. 17, 2013] The U.S. Navy's Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC, pronounced "swick") are Special Operations Forces who operate and maintain an inventory of small craft used to support special operations missions, particularly those of the U.S. Navy SEALs. Individually, SEALs and SWCC go through separate specialized training programs that emphasize special operations in the maritime environment. SWCC are trained extensively in craft and weapons tactics, techniques, and procedures. Focusing on clandestine infiltration and exfiltration of SEALs and other special operations forces, SWCC provide dedicated, rapid mobility in shallow water areas where large ships cannot operate. SWCC must be physically fit, highly motivated, combat-focused, and responsive in high stress situations. Special Boat Team-12 was established in Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW Restructure force changes. The Unit is located at Coronado Amphibious Base, San Diego Calif. The Team is comprised of MKV SOC and SOC RHIB combatant craft. The Team deploys its SBDs to North East Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East. Special Boat Team began its history as Boat Support Unit ONE in 1964, in 1971 it became Coastal River Divison-12, and in 1978 it became Special Boat Unit-12 This long established history has had the Team continuously serving with distinction in almost all of Americas conflicts since Vietnam. SBT-12 was a frontline unit in IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003 and continues as a frontline unit in the Global War on Terrorism. Special Boat Team-20 (SBT-20) Special Boat Team-20 was established Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW-21 Restructure Force changes. SBT-20 is located at Little Creek Amphibious Base in Virginia. The Team is comprised of MKV SOC and SOC RHIB combatant craft and deploys its SBDs to Europe, the Med., Africa and Middle East. Special Boat Team-20 began its history as Boat Support Unit-2 in 1964, in 1972 it became Coastal River Division - 20. 1979 saw its name change to Special Boat Unit-20. SBT-20's long established history has the team serving with distinction in most of America's conflicts. Special Boat Team-22 (SBT-22) Special Boat Team-22 was established Oct. 2002 as a result of NSW-21 force restructure changes. The Team is located at the John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. SBT-22 is comprised of SOCR, CAC and PBL combatant craft and deploys its SBDs regularly to Central America and South America and the Middle East. Because SBT-22 is now the only NSW Riverine unit it can be deployed to any riverine environment in the world. Special Boat Team 22 began its history as Coastal River Divison-22 in 1972 in New Orleans La. In 1979 it became Special Boat Unit - 22. The Team's long history in Riverine warfare is distinguished in Counter-Narcotic Operations in Central and South America. Mobile Communications Team 1 (MCT-1) The Mobile Communications Team is an operational component of the communications- electronics departments of the Naval Special Warfare Groups ONE and TWO. They are responsible for: (1) Providing operational communications support to SEAL Teams, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams, and to Special Boat Squadrons for deployed fleet and joint units; (2) Organizing, training, and integrating new equipment and developing tactics to provide the highest quality Naval Special Warfare communications operations and support; (3) Preparing, implementing, and reviewing communications plans in coordination with higher authority, Naval Special Warfare Command components and other fleet and joint units. As always, the above insignia are available on a limited number of selected quality products via my “Military Insignia” galleries. You may simply follow the direct links in the article to navigate to the corresponding galleries I will also make my insignia designs available free of charge to any military units and personnel, for any non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families. In addition, I would make my designs available free of charge to any military branches, formations and units for any non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit-related web design, training materials or presentations, as I did on numerous occasions in the past. The above information provided in part by Wikipedia, The Institute of Heraldry, Global Security. Special thanks to www.sealteam.com, and a number of official websites of the above-mentioned units.

As my “Military Insignia 3D” project continues to expand and develop, I am getting a fair amount of feedback and suggestions, which help...

I have decided to continue my Unified Combatant Commands series with insignia of one of the recently disestablished UCCs. The UnitedStates Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) was a former Unified Combatant Commands of the United States Armed Forces. USJFCOM was a functional command that provided specific services to the military. The last commander was Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno. As directed by the President to identify opportunities to cut costs and rebalance priorities, Defense Secretary Robert Gates recommended that USJFCOM be disestablished and its essential functions reassigned to other unified combatant commands. Formal disestablishment occurred on August 4, 2011. USJFCOM was formed in 1999 when the old United States Atlantic Command was renamed and given a new mission: leading the transformation of the U.S. military through experimentation and education. USLANTCOM had been active from 1947 to 1993 as a primarily U.S. Navy command, focused upon the wartime defense of the Atlantic sea lanes against Soviet attack. After the end of the Cold War, a 1993 reorganization gave the Command a new acronym, USACOM, and brought United States Army Forces Command and Air Combat Command under its authority. In late 2004, U.S. Joint Forces Command assumed the role of primary conventional force provider. This landmark change assigned nearly all U.S. conventional forces to Joint Forces Command. Requirements, for example, for U.S. service personnel to support the transformation of the Armed Forces of Liberia, were fed to JFCOM, in this case via Africa Command, and JFCOM liaised with the service staffs to obtain available forces. Along with this responsibility came the task to develop a new 'risk-assessment' process that provided national leaders a world-wide perspective on force-sourcing solutions. Its operations and exercises included Noble Resolve, an experimentation campaign plan to enhance homeland defense and improve military support to civil authorities in advance of and following natural and man-made disasters and Empire Challenge, an annual intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) interoperability demonstration. United States Joint Forces Command was the only combatant command focused on the transformation of U.S. military capabilities. The commander of USJFCOM oversaw the command's four primary roles in transformation – joint concept development and experimentation, joint training, joint interoperability and integration, and the primary conventional force provider as outlined in the Unified Command Plan approved by the President. Its Unified Command Plan designated USJFCOM as the "transformation laboratory" of the United States military to enhance the combatant commanders' capabilities to implement the president's strategy. USJFCOM developed joint operational concepts, tested those concepts through rigorous experimentation, educated joint leaders, trained joint task force commanders and staffs, and recommended joint solutions to the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines to better integrate their warfighting capabilities. USJFCOM included members from each branch of the U.S. military, civil servants, contract employees, and consultants. It had four component commands, a sub-unified command (Special Operations component is SOCJFCOM and eight subordinate activities, including: Joint Warfighting Center; Joint Systems Integration Center; Joint Transformation Command for Intelligence; and Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC). JFCOM's Service components were the CONUS based commands that provided forces to other combatant commands: United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), United StatesFleet Forces Command (USFLTFORCOM), Air Combat Command (ACC), and United StatesMarine Corps Forces Command (MARFORCOM). On 9 August 2010 Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced that Joint Forces Command has been slated for elimination as a budget-saving measure. General Ray Odierno was given the task of winding down JFCOM. On 6 January 2011, the plan was officially approved in a memorandum by President Obama. On 3 August 2011, Joint Forces Command cased its flag colors. United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) The United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) is the largest Army Command and the preeminent provider of expeditionary, campaign-capable land forces to Combatant Commanders. It is headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. FORSCOM trains, mobilizes, deploys, sustains, transforms and reconstitutes conventional forces to provide relevant and ready land power to combatant commanders worldwide in defense of the nation at home and abroad. FORSCOM is responsible for the readiness of more than 75 percent of the Army’s force structure and 87 percent of the Army’s combat power. Forces Command provides Army forces to the joint war fight. JFCOM's mission is to provide U.S. military forces where needed throughout the world and to ensure they are integrated and trained as unified forces ready for any assigned task. The capabilities of the new brigade-level formations – armor, infantry, airborne, air assault and Stryker – ensure greater flexibility and enhance FORSCOM’s ability to deploy trained and ready forces quickly. The Active Component of FORSCOM currently has over 237,000 soldiers. Third U.S. Army, also located at Fort McPherson, is the Army component of United States Central Command, the Joint command responsible for Southwest Asia and the Horn of Africa. FORSCOM also commands three Army corps: I Corps at Fort Lewis, Washington; III Corps at Fort Hood, Texas; and XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Together they include eight divisions (1st Cavalry Division, 1st Armored Division, 1st Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and the 101st Airborne Division, three separate brigades, two armored cavalry regiments, 37 support brigades of various types, and a range of other corps combat, combat support and combat service support units. First U.S. Army is responsible for training, mobilization and deployment support to Reserve Component units in FORSCOM. They also execute FORSCOM missions within their geographic areas of responsibility. A major subordinate command of Forces Command is the United States Army Reserve Command (USARC), also is headquartered at Fort Bragg, N.C. It commands all Army Reserve units in the continental United States, except those assigned to Special Operations Command. The Army National Guard provides Forces Command a balanced force of eight National Guard combat divisions, 15 brigades, and extensive combat support and combat service support units. United States Fleet Forces Command (USFLTFORCOM) The United States Fleet Forces Command (USFLTFORCOM) of the United States Navy is the part of the Navy responsible for operations in and around the Atlantic Ocean. Originally formed as United States Atlantic Fleet (USLANTFLT) in 1906, it has been an integral part of the defense of the United States of America for most of the 20th century. In 2002, the Fleet comprised over 118,000 sailors and marines serving on 186 ships and in 1,300 aircraft, with an area of responsibility ranging over the Atlantic Ocean from the North Pole to the South Pole, the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the waters of the Pacific Ocean along the coasts of Central and South America (as far west as the Galapagos Islands). Its operational force (i.e., the formation of fighting ships) is the United States Second Fleet. USFLTFORCOM is based at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia. The command's mission is to organize, man, train, and equip Naval Forces for assignment to Unified Command Combatant commanders; to deter, detect, and defend against homeland maritime threats; and to articulate Fleet warfighting and readiness requirements to the Chief of Naval Operations. Air Combat Command (ACC) Air Combat Command (ACC) is a major command (MAJCOM) of the United States Air Force. ACC is one of ten major commands (MAJCOMs), reporting to Headquarters, United States Air Force (HAF). It is ACC is headquartered at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. The mission of Air Combat Command is to be the primary force provider of combat airpower to America's warfighting commands. To support global implementation of national security strategy, ACC operates fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, battle-management and electronic-combat aircraft. Air Combat Command also provides command, control, computing, communications and intelligence (C4I) systems, and conducts global information operations. As a force provider, ACC organizes, trains, equips and maintains combat-ready forces for rapid deployment and employment while ensuring strategic air defense forces are ready to meet the challenges of peacetime air sovereignty and wartime air defense. ACC numbered air forces provide the air components to United States Central Command, United States Southern Command, former United States Joint Forces Command, United States Northern Command and United States Strategic Command. In addition, ACC augments forces to United States European Command and United States Pacific Command. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command (MARFORCOM) U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command (MARFORCOM) is headquartered at Naval Support Activity Norfolk, Virginia. It was the United States Marine Corps component of the United States Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM). It was previously known as Marine Forces Atlantic (MARFORLANT). MARFORCOM is one of three major Marine Corps commands (along with United States Marine Corps Forces Pacific and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve) that provide operating forces to support Unified or Joint Task Force Commanders and Fleet Commanders Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command (COMMARFORCOM) serves as a principal advisor to the Commander in Chief, United States Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM), on Marine Corps matters. He is responsible for organizing, training and equipping forces for employment as directed by USJFCOM. COMMARFORCOM also serves in the following capacities: Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic Commander, United States Marine Forces, Europe Commander, United States Marine Corps Forces, South Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Bases, Atlantic The warfighting arm of MARFORCOM is the II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF). II MEF is composed of about 45,000 personnel from the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. United States Special Operations Command Joint ForcesCommand (SOCJFCOM) United States Special Operations Command Joint ForcesCommand (SOCJFCOM), now Special Operations Command – Joint Capabilities(SOC-JC), was transferred to USSOCOM from the soon to be disestablished United States Joint Forces Command. It was formerly known as United States Special Operations Command Joint Forces Command (SOCJFCOM). Primary Mission: SOC-JC trains conventional and SOF commanders and their staffs, supports USSOCOM international engagement training requirements, and supports implementation of capability solutions in order to improve strategic and operational warfighting readiness and joint interoperability. SOC-JC must also be prepared to support deployed Special Operations Joint Task Force (SOJTF) Headquarters (HQ). As a joint sub-unified command under USSOCOM, SOC-JC’s core function is to enhance the interoperability of conventional and Special Operations Forces (SOF) commanders and staffs through robust strategic and operational level joint training. In coordination with the USSOCOM J3, J7/9 and Joint Special Operations University (JSOU), SOC-JC provides excellent training and support to the education for SOF and Conventional Forces (CF) worldwide. Additionally, SOC-JC supports the joint SOF capabilities development process while maintaining the flexibility to support emerging initiatives. As always, the above insignia are available on a limited number of selected quality products via my “Military Insignia” galleries at Zazzle, CafePess and SpreadShirt. To get to corresponding galleries, you may simply follow the direct links in the article. I will also make my insignia designs available free of charge to any military units and personnel, to be used for the purpose of any non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families. In addition, I would make my designs available free of charge to any military branches, formations and units for any non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit-related web design, training materials or presentations, as I have already done on numerous occasions. The above information provided in part by The Institute of Heraldry, Global Security, Wikipedia and websites of certain Unified Combatant Commands

This blog is dedicated to our men and women in uniforms, as well as to all militaria enthusiasts. "Military Insignia 3D" is about the art of military heraldry. This will be an interactive diary, following my project. The idea is to recreate and gather under one roof the most comprehensive collection of high quality military insignia, highlighting the true beauty of such images. For custom orders, or if you are interested in sponsoring this project, you may contact me via my Blogger profile.

This blog is dedicated to our men and women in uniforms, as well as to all militaria enthusiasts. "Military Insignia 3D" is about the art of military heraldry. This will be an interactive diary, following my project. The idea is to recreate and gather under one roof the most comprehensive collection of high quality military insignia, highlighting the true beauty of such images. For custom orders, or if you are interested in sponsoring this project, you may contact me via my Blogger profile.

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was the navy of Canada from 1911 until 1968 when the three Canadian services were unified to form the Canadian Forces. The modern Canadian navy was officially known as Canadian Forces Maritime Command (MARCOM), however, unofficially MARCOM is represented as the "Canadian Navy" and maintains many traditions of its predecessor. It was not correct to use the name "Royal Canadian Navy" or its abbreviation "RCN" in references to Canada's naval forces after February 1, 1968. In 1968, the Royal Canadian Navy Badge was replaced by the Canadian Forces Maritime Command (MARCOM) badge, however it was not written off. Since 1968, this badge was re-assigned to Canadian Forces Naval Operations branch, a personnel branch of the Canadian Forces. Variations if the badge are also used as cap badges of the Canadian Navy. However, the situation was reversed in 2011, and Canadian Navy was reestablished as the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) once again. At the time this article was edited, the fate of the old RCN badge was not yet clear. Stay tuned. This is another example of impressive Canadian military heraldry, which was a true pleasure to work with. A centerpiece of the design is a gold-colored anchor, on which I used various textures of gold, copper and bronze to achieve a slightly worn out and stressed look. I also added a nice 3D volume, to make the anchor pop. As it always happens with Canadian military heraldry, the most challenging part was the King Edward’s crown. It is also the most fun part to work on, because you can go nuts with textures of gold, precious stones and silks. The result speaks for itself. [Edited on May 4th, 2017 to add the new RCN badge] Several years later, I had to re-visit this topic, since the new RCN badge design was approved. As always, the above artworks are available via my “Military Insignia” galleries from FineArt America and RedBubble. You can just follow the links in the article to get to the corresponding galleries. To active duty or reserve military personnel, veterans and their family members: I grant an explicit permission to download the above images to be used for non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families, as well as for non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit website design, training materials and presentations.

The “Military Insignia3D” project is well underway. This time I have decided to tackle the two specific insignia I have missed earlier – the official U.S. Army Symbol (not to be confused with the U.S. Army Seal) and the U.S. Army Logo. One of the reasons I have decided to work on the above-mentioned insignia was the fact that U.S. Army has now opened their official store on Zazzle, which, coincidentally, happened to be the home base for my “Military Insignia 3D” project. Consequently, the two above-mentioned insignia were the only two official insignia allowed for commercial use within the U.S. Army Fan Merch program. It wouldn't make sense to miss such an opportunity of being able to offer my artwork on the official U.S. Army merchandise… The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services. The modern army has its roots in the Continental Army which was formed on 14 June 1775, to meet the demands of the American Revolutionary War before the establishment of the United States. The Congress of the Confederation officially created the United States Army on 3 June 1784 after the end of the Revolutionary War to replace the disbanded Continental Army. The army considers itself to be descended from the Continental Army and thus dates its inception from the origins of that force. The primary mission of the army is "to fight and win our Nation’s wars by providing prompt, sustained land dominance across the full range of military operations and spectrum of conflict in support of combatant commanders." The army is a military service within the Department of the Army, one of the three military departments of the Department of Defense. The army is headed by the Secretary of the Army, and the top military officer in the department is the Chief of Staff of the Army. The highest ranking army officer is currently the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As always, the above insignia are available on a limited number of selected quality products via “U.S. Army Fan Merch” galleries at Zazzle. You might want to ensure that a design is listed as “Designed by Serge867 for usarmyshop” as on the example found here... To make it easier to locate my products in a disarray of the U.S. Army Shop, I have created a gift guide with clickable links to each and every product I offer. Just by clicking on a number under each thumbnail, one should be able to navigate directly to the product page, from where the product can be customized and purchased. The Gift Guide can be found here... I will also make my insignia designs available free of charge to any military units and personnel, for any non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families. In addition, I would make my designs available free of charge to any military branches, formations and units for any non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit-related web design, training materials or presentations, as I did on many occasions in the past. The above information provided in part by U.S. Army Center of Military history, The Institute of Heraldry, Global Security, and official websites of the U.S. Army.

U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff & Army Staff Insignia were always at the top of my “Military Insignia 3D” project’s to-do list. However, since those were amongst the most stunning-looking insignia of the U.S. military heraldry, I was keeping them on the back-burner until I felt that my techniques evolved far enough to tackle these badges. A good analogy would be what happened to George Lucas was with his first episodes of Star Wars. The major challenges were presented by flowing textures of gold, silver and black metal in my earlier arsenal, which I thought were not good enough at the time. Until now, that is. At certain point I felt that I have finally developed all the necessary tools. You be the judge. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters. The composition of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is defined by statute and consists of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (VCJCS), and the Military Service Chiefs from the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Marine Corps, all appointed by the President following Senate confirmation. Each of the individual Military Service Chiefs, outside of their Joint Chiefs of Staff obligations, works directly for the Secretary of the Military Department concerned, i.e. Secretary of the Army, Secretary of the Navy, and the Secretary of the Air Force. Following the Goldwater-Nichols Act in 1986 the Joint Chiefs of Staff do not have operational command authority, neither individually nor collectively, as the chain of command goes from the President to the Secretary of Defense, and from the Secretary of Defense to the Commanders of the Combatant Commands. Goldwater-Nichols also created the office of Vice Chairman, and the Chairman is now designated as the principal military adviser to the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and to the President. The Joint Staff (JS) is a headquarters staff in the Pentagon, composed of personnel from all the four services, that assists the Chairman and the Vice Chairman in discharging their responsibilities and is managed by the Director of the Joint Staff (DJS) who is a Lieutenant General or Vice Admiral. Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, presented here, consists of an oval silver metal wreath of laurel, symbolic of achievement, courage, and victory. The four unsheathed swords refer to the armed might of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps and their combined constant vigilance and readiness in the defense of the United States. General Staff Branch Insignia A military staff, often referred to as General Staff, Army Staff, Navy Staff or Air Staff within the individual services, is a group of officers and enlisted personnel that provides a bi-directional flow of information between a commanding officer and subordinate military units. A staff also provides an executive function which filters information needed by the commander, or shunts unnecessary information to a more appropriate tasker, handling the matter which would be an unnecessary distraction for the Commanding Officer at a more appropriate level. On February 14, 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt signed “An Act to Increase the efficiency of the Army” and four days later the Headquarters of the Army published it as General Orders Number 15. The brief act did five things. First Congress established a General Staff Corps. Second it defined the General Staff Corps duties. Third it severely limited the composition of the Corps from the Chief of Staff down to 20 captains or first lieutenants on a four-year detail. Next it provided that the Chief of Staff would supervise the various staff departments enumerated and lastly the act made the recently created Chief of Artillery an additional member of the General Staff. On 17 June 1904, the Chief of Staff of the Army, Lieutenant General Chaffee, approved the design of the General Staff insignia to take effect 1 July 1904. The device has been in continual use since that date. The insignia was originally worn only by officers, in the grade of captain and above, detailed to the General Staff Corps. Authority for its wear was later extended to officers detailed to General Staff Corps with troops. At the time the Department of the Army was established as the legal successor to the War Department, the word "Corps" in the title of branch officers detailed to the General Staff Corps was dropped. The device is now worn by officers detailed in orders to the Army General Staff and to General Staff with troops. The star is symbolic of the highest level in the Army, and the Arms of the United States allude to the mission of the General Staff which is the exercise General Staff supervision over the management of the land forces of the United States. Army Staff Identification Badge The Army Staff Identification Badge is a badge of the United States Army worn by personnel who serve at the Office of the Secretary of the Army and the Army Staff at Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) and its agencies. Neither an award nor a decoration, the badge is a distinguishing emblem of service. Initially issued as a temporary badge, officers and enlisted personnel demonstrating outstanding performance of duty and meeting all eligibility requirements can be processed after one complete year (365 days cumulative) of assignment and receive a certificate authorizing permanent wear of the badge. General Douglas MacArthur first proposed an Army General Staff Badge in 1931, but it was not until 1933 that the United States War Department authorized it. The badge has remained unchanged in appearance since it was first created, but the name was changed in 1982 from the Army General Staff Identification Badge to the Army Staff Identification Badge, and the eligibility criteria have evolved. On a United States Army uniform, the Army Staff Identification Badge is worn centered on the right breast pocket. A similar Army Staff Lapel Pin is authorized for civilian employees of the Department of the Army, regardless of grade, who fill an eligible position in an HQDA agency for no less than one year. The badge is based on the General Staff insignia with a black star in lieu of the Silver Star. The addition of the laurel leaves indicate achievement. The Coat of Arms of the United States in gold with the stripes of the shield to be enameled white and red and chief of the shield and the sky of the glory to be enameled blue, superimposed on a five-pointed black enameled star; in each reentrant angle of the star are three green enameled laurel leaves. The star is 3 inches (7.62 cm) in diameter for the Chief of Staff and former Chiefs of Staff and 2 inches (5.08 cm) in diameter for all other personnel awarded the badge. A miniature badge with 7 stripes in the chief instead of 13 stripes and 1 1/2 inches (3.81 cm) in diameter was authorized on 23 June 1989. As always, the above insignia are available on a limited number of selected quality products via my “Military Insignia” galleries at Zazzle. You may simply follow the direct links in the article to navigate to the corresponding galleries I will also make my insignia designs available free of charge to any military units and personnel, for any non-profit/non-commercial and charitable causes, benefiting troops and their families. In addition, I would make my designs available free of charge to any military branches, formations and units for any non-commercial internal duty-specific purposes, such as unit-related web design, training materials or presentations, as I did on many occasions in the past. The above information provided in part by Wikipedia, The Institute of Heraldry, Global Security.