Posted on Jun 23, 2014
Say hello to the newest logo for Special Operations Command Forward West Africa
16.2K
110
52
26
26
0
Okay...so an email went out from the Commander where I'm deployed, asking for submissions for the new logo for the command. Being that I'm the initiative taker that I am, I go ahead and throw some stuff together.....well....8 different logos later, this is the one I went with...... Mine got picked Say hello to the newest logo for Special Operations Command Forward West Africa. I could do this stuff all day....lol (keep in mind, this isn't even my job in the Army, I do this crap for fun haha)
Posted in these groups: 
Command
Command
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 23
2
2
0
2
2
0
1SG (Join to see)
I see now. I just realize you use the bevel effect on the shield and some other elements. Kudos!
(2)
(0)
(2)
(0)
Captain Roger Pezzelle designed the silver Trojan Horse badge for wear on the beret. It remained the unofficial badge until 1962
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
2
2
0
What does the horse stand for? How about a skull instead? But heck, it looks good regardless.
(2)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
I had to double check, because as an English Literature major, I wondered if I was reading this too deeply. So, I forwarded it to my mother, a retired State Department Diplomat. All I wrote was, "This is the proposed patch for a unit with a West Africa mission. Could you see anyone making an issue?"
Her full unedited reply:
"My gosh, it's the Trojan horse! How awful. It suggests that if you Africans let us in, we'll kill you."
This *is* the message the patch sends to those familiar with the story. In a different environment, with a different mission set, this is not a bad message. It is super-imposing it over the map of Africa in light of why we are there that creates the problem. Pointing out that past units in different environments on different missions, without a map on the image, used a Trojan Horse is an irrelevant point.
Her full unedited reply:
"My gosh, it's the Trojan horse! How awful. It suggests that if you Africans let us in, we'll kill you."
This *is* the message the patch sends to those familiar with the story. In a different environment, with a different mission set, this is not a bad message. It is super-imposing it over the map of Africa in light of why we are there that creates the problem. Pointing out that past units in different environments on different missions, without a map on the image, used a Trojan Horse is an irrelevant point.
(2)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
First, this isn't going to be a unit patch, it's just a "logo" that will go on all their powerpoint briefs, etc. Second off, no offense Ma'am, but unless your mother is a psychologist or behavioral scientist that analyzes select target audiences in West Africa, I highly doubt they would receive the same message IF they were to ever see it by some chance.
(2)
(0)
CW2 (Join to see)
How many tribes, etc. are even familiar with the "Illiad" and the battle of Troy therein for this to even be an argument? Additionally, how many, who might know of it, even care given that there are greater things on their minds--such as getting care for their children and just out right surviving. Great design SSG Williams.
(3)
(0)
2
2
0
PO1 (Join to see)
LOL...well I certainly did NOT envision this for say....NSGA Misawa...though the Horse theme is...vaguely familiar....
(1)
(0)
SFC Stephen Carden
PSYOP has used the horse theme for a long time. Although we generally only use the head and neck of the horse, so we like to think of it as the knight in a game of chess.
(2)
(0)
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
SSG Williams, I think this is an awesome design. You captured some heraldry and all the images represent something purposeful to the organization.
At the end of the day, its for internal use and a commander with insight into the region chose it. If you have West Africans sitting in on your CUB/BUB you may have an issue (kidding). I doubt very many people in the AO are ever even going to see this thing. And if they do I think it sends a message. Lets face it, West Africa is not a friendly place and they are there for a reason.
Im not criticizing anyone else's opinion, as I think you posted this to get some feedback on it. But if some people want to read into patches and logos, let them, I would be more worried about the image the SF patch itself. It clearly implies that they will shoot three lightning bolts at you than kill you with a dagger.....even though thats not what either of those symbols mean...
At the end of the day, its for internal use and a commander with insight into the region chose it. If you have West Africans sitting in on your CUB/BUB you may have an issue (kidding). I doubt very many people in the AO are ever even going to see this thing. And if they do I think it sends a message. Lets face it, West Africa is not a friendly place and they are there for a reason.
Im not criticizing anyone else's opinion, as I think you posted this to get some feedback on it. But if some people want to read into patches and logos, let them, I would be more worried about the image the SF patch itself. It clearly implies that they will shoot three lightning bolts at you than kill you with a dagger.....even though thats not what either of those symbols mean...
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google