Southcom patch

Vector image of U. Green denotes prosperity. Red stands for liberation. The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 30 April Symbolism: Light blue denotes the Department of Defense and total military readiness. The stars represent the grade of the military leadership of the unified command. TIOH Dwg. The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 26 November Symbolism: Red, green and black are the predominate colors in the national flags of the countries in United States Central Command's area of responsibility.

The American bald eagle in flight symbolizes the Command's mobility and mission to support the security and stability of friendly countries and to protect the United States' interests. The eagle bears in its talons a shield in red, white and blue, representing power, vigilance and the constancy of the United States. Four stars, on a blue field lying horizontally across the top of the shield, symbolize the four star Commander in Chief of the United States Central Command, while the four vertical red stripes, separated by white stripes, represent the four military services that comprise the forces of the United States Central Command: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.

The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 25 January The insignia was amended to correct the description on 29 January Symbolism: Gold is emblematic of excellence; black suggests dependability and determination. The upraised sword and shield signify military preparedness and vigilance.

The palm suggests the geographic theater of operations and symbolizes victory. The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 22 February The landmass of North America highlights the scope of the Northern Command mission. The five stars refer to the armed forces, which coordinate all mission efforts to protect the country. The three stars on the continent represent the approximate locations of the terrorist attacks of September 11th in New York City, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon.

The distinctive unit insignia was approved effective 1 October The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved effective 1 October Symbolism: The terrestrial map of the Pacific area is the area of operation of the U.

Pacific Command. The contrasting colors of gold and black refer to the night and day, around the clock mission of the U. Army Element of the Pacific Command. Red is the color of zeal and action.

The bayonet represents the mission of responding to a crisis and deterring aggression. The bayonet overlapping the globe highlights the enhancement of security in this region of the world by this Command. The lightning flash reflects communications infrastructure and quickness of response.

The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved for wear by the U. Symbolism: The sunburst denotes enlightened promotion of democratic institutions, cooperative efforts to oppose and overcome transnational threats to the region's stability and responsibility to protect its environment. The eleven points of the burst and nineteen radiating gridlines below represent the thirty countries, which comprise the area of responsibility, in the region of South and Central America and the Caribbean.

The shield signifies protection of the United States civilians, interests and forces committed to the area, the prevention of terrorist activity and assistance in reducing illicit source zone activities.

Blue represents worldwide capability, light blue indicates coastal security of the nations within the region. Scarlet denotes sacrifice and courage, gold symbolizes excellence. The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 1 August Department of Defense.

Navy Admiral James G. A fixture at U. In keeping with the importance of the Colombian mission to the U. Commanded by Army Colonel Kevin D. Saderup, the primary mission of the MILGP in Colombia is to synchronize missions and requirements, gather intelligence, and coordinate the military operations involving U. He serves as the primary military advisor to the U. An especially important mission is the implementation of the force protection plan for U.

The prevalence of kidnapping by the Colombian illegally-armed groups and the negative ramifications that the kidnapping of an American soldier make this a constant intelligence and monitoring mission for the MILGP. Saderup, Military Group—Colombia, interview by Dr. Charles H. Briscoe and Dr. These elements help the Colombians with planning, intelligence gathering, and operational analysis to enhance the ability of the Colombians to conduct their military operations.

Originally based at Quarry Heights, Panama, the headquarters moved to the U. Commanded by Brigadier General Charles T. This includes Naval Special Warfare units, the U. Army 75th Ranger Regiment, U. Air Force Special Operations forces. Southern Command strategies, plans, and operations. We have to make the most of the troops deployed. This element serves as an extension of the headquarters in order to expedite the coordination and support required to maintain the forces in country.

Central Command theater.