The Combined Field Army (ROK/US) unit patch, officially called a Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, was approved for wear on 7 January 1983. Its light blue background is an allusion to the unit’s close ties with the United Nations and recalls the color of helmet used by troops serving under U.N. command (the color is also used for the “Meditation Room” at U.N. Headquarters in New York City).
The six-sided shield recalls the shape of the shields wielded by Roman Soldiers and is inspired by “Shield of Seoul,” the nickname that was given to the Field Army because it was headquartered at Camp Red Cloud near the South Korean capital. It was also located very near the Korean Demilitarized Zone, represented on the insignia by the thick black bar.
One of the largest combined Field Armies ever assembled, the “Shield of Seoul” consisted primarily of Republic of Korea (South Korea) units augmented by the 2nd Infantry Division. The two country’s forces are represented by a star for the United States and a taeguk for Korea.
While the 2nd Infantry Division remains based in South Korea, the Combined Field Army (CFA) was disestablished in 1992.