The SF motto.

[Andrew0]

To those qualified to answer,
I was curious as to where the SF motto “De oppresso liber,” came from. I understand the translation of it is “To liberate the oppressed,” but why was that chosen as the Special Forces motto? Also, what are its origins amongst the SF soldiers (other then it being Latin?) I've looked over a few sites on the net for the answer, but all of them just explain what it means and they don't really answer my questions. Plus, I'm not exactly the most talented guy when searching for things on the net. Thank you for your time.

Luke

[yossarian]

I don't know if I am exactly qualified to answer, however, the closest I've ever heard is that it exemplified President Kennedy's views on communism and the mission of Special Forces.

[A62]

but why was that chosen as the Special Forces motto? Also, what are its origins amongst the SF soldiers (other then it being Latin?)



does this help?



Special Forces Command



Distinctive Unit Insignia: A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height 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" in silver letters.



Symbolism: The crest is the crossed arrow collar insignia (insignia of branch) of the First Special Force, World War II. The motto is translated as "From Oppression We Will Liberate Them."


Background: The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 8 July 1960. The insignia of the 1st Special Forces was authorized to be worn by personnel of the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne) and its subordinate units on 7 March 1991.

Coat of Arms

Shield: Argent, a fighting knife in bend hilt to base Sable.

Crest: On a wreath of the colors (Argent and Sable), two arrows saltirewise Argent.


Motto: DE OPPRESSO LIBER (Liberate From Oppression).


Shield: The shield was approved for the First Special Service Force of World War II, 26 February 1943. The knife is of a distinctive shape and pattern and was issued only to the First Special Service Force.


Crest: The crest is the crossed arrow collar (branch) insignia of the First Special Force, World War II, changed from gold to silver for harmony with the shield and to make a difference from collar insignia. The motto more fully translated means, "From Oppression We Will Liberate Them."




Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: On a teal blue arrowhead 3 1/8 inches (7.94cm) in height and 2 inches (5.08cm) in width, point up, a yellow dagger, its blade surmounted by three yellow lightning flashes, bendwise in pale, all inset 1/8 inch (.32cm) from the edge of the arrowhead.

On a tab placed 3/16 (.48cm) inch above the insignia, the word "AIRBORNE" in yellow letters on a black background.

Symbolism: The arrowhead alludes to the American Indian's basic skills in which Special Forces personnel are trained to a high degree. The dagger represents the unconventional nature of Special Forces operations, and the three lightning flashes, their ability to strike rapidly by air, water or land.

Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved on 22 Aug 1955. It was amended to add an airborne tab on 20 Nov 1958.

A62 out

[freelancer1984]

Symbolism: The arrowhead alludes to the American Indian's basic skills in which Special Forces personnel are trained to a high degree. The dagger represents the unconventional nature of Special Forces operations, and the three lightning flashes, their ability to strike rapidly by air, water or land.

Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved on 22 Aug 1955. It was amended to add an airborne tab on 20 Nov 1958.

Not being rude by jumping in this guy's post. A62, you give out a lot of good information!!!...Freelancer 1984 (sneeking back out of this guy's post) Thanks.

[Andrew0]

Thanks a bunch, A62; I'm much obliged. I would like to know how and where you got that information though, if possible. Thanks again.

Luke

[A62]

I would like to know how and where you got that information though, if possible.



I did a google search on SF, history and ended up in Infantry. Went here just now, not where I was but same Site. try this, http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/j/r/jrr17/infantry/sf.htm. Enjoy.

A62 out

[yossarian]

http://www.groups.sfahq.com/

This is a good page as well.

[SneakySFDude]

http://www.groups.sfahq.com/

This is a good page as well.



That says "groups", you mean there's more than one?

[yossarian]

That says "groups", you mean there's more than one?


Some people think so. They are wrong, of course. There's only 7th Special Forces Group. All the rest are 7th SFG (A) wanna-be groups.