US Army Special Forces OD Green SSI Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

The US Army Special Forces OD Green SSI (Shoulder Sleeve Insignia) represents the elite Special Forces unit of the United States Army, often referred to as the “Green Berets.” This insignia features a downward-pointing, V-shaped arrowhead with a dagger and three lightning bolts, set against an olive drab (OD) green background. The emblem’s design symbolizes the unit’s unconventional warfare capabilities, with the arrowhead denoting craftiness and the lightning bolts representing swift, silent operations. First authorized in 1955, the SSI is worn on the left shoulder of the uniform to signify current service with Special Forces or on the right shoulder to indicate former wartime service. The OD green coloration was standard for many Army patches from the mid-1950s until the introduction of subdued versions and later the Army Combat Uniform. This item is sought after by collectors and historians interested in US Special Forces heritage and insignia.