The U.S. Army Element, Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) beret flash and Airborne background trimming (oval) were both approved on 14 October 1986, just under two weeks after the organization was activated at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.
These insignia are worn by Army personnel assigned to SOCCENT, a sub-unified command of U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) that supports the objectives of USCENTCOM and U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) through the use of special operations to disrupt and degrade the work of malign actors, gain the support of relevant populations, and augment the ability of partners in the region to maintain stability while safeguarding U.S. interests. SOCCENT also utilizes special operations during contingencies and in response to crises in it Area of Operations.
The beret flash, more accurately known as an organizational flash since it points to a specific organization or unit, is worn centered on the stiffener of the maroon beret that denotes the organization’s status as an Airborne unit.
Officers (except Chaplains) wear their insignia of grade centered on the flash; Generals may choose the size of the stars for their insignia even if it means the insignia overlaps the border of the flash. NCOs and Junior Enlisted Soldiers wear their Distinctive Unit Insignia (or Regimental Distinctive Unit Insignia if their unit has no DUI) in similar fashion.
Airborne background trimming, called an “oval” for obvious reasons, is authorized for wear only by Army personnel serving in the Command who have earned a Parachutist or Air Assault badge, with the badge placed atop the oval. This combination counts as a single item and is worn on the AGSU and ASU coat (including ASU Dress), Service Uniform shirt (except Class B AGSU), and the green or blue Army Maternity Tunic.
Detailed wear guidance for both organizational flashes and ovals is found in paragraph 21–32 of the January 2021 edition of the DA PAM 670-1, while instructions on placement of insignia on flashes is found in paragraph 4–10(e).
Related Items U.S. Army Special Operations Command Central Patch (SSI)
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Central Unit Crest (DUI)
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Central Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)