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These patches circulate around from time to time as theatre made in Iraq or Afghanistan but they are neither. The insignia is actually made in Turkey and is a fantasy item that was based on an actual 19th SFG(A) SOT-A patch. The real patch was made in Incrilik, Turkey circa 2002 by a team member of ODA-905. The original patch is shown as SFG-758 in US Special Forces Group Insignia (Post 1975) by Pugh, Perkowski, & Whistler. After producing the requested patch for the team, the patch maker proceeded to make a number of fantasy variations that are widely available and sold as original. Some dealers sell them as theatre made in Turkey for USSF serving in OIF or OEF. Or as noted above as made in Iraq or AStan. I purchased the patch below on another forum as a representative sample and am sharing here as information.
Note that the fantasy patch pictured above is actually "mirror reversed" to the original pattern type. The beret is over the skull's right eye instead ohe correct left eye. The bomb burst pattern is reversed also. Even the Farsi script on the scrolls is backward. Same with the "signal swirls" coming from the ear areas of the skull. The Vietnam type crossed SOG knives are embellishments added for collectors. The quality of the embroidery in this piece should be noted as lacking; lots of off line or center stitching and loose threads. Very noticeable as an example in the area of the crossed knives. Also note the general lack of good detail. I also suspect this example was sewn in DCU or dessert colors in an effort to lure the prospective buyers into thinking it was an OEF or OIF period piece of theatre insignia. If any members have additional information or thoughts to the contrary please feel free to post here .......
Note that the fantasy patch pictured above is actually "mirror reversed" to the original pattern type. The beret is over the skull's right eye instead ohe correct left eye. The bomb burst pattern is reversed also. Even the Farsi script on the scrolls is backward. Same with the "signal swirls" coming from the ear areas of the skull. The Vietnam type crossed SOG knives are embellishments added for collectors. The quality of the embroidery in this piece should be noted as lacking; lots of off line or center stitching and loose threads. Very noticeable as an example in the area of the crossed knives. Also note the general lack of good detail. I also suspect this example was sewn in DCU or dessert colors in an effort to lure the prospective buyers into thinking it was an OEF or OIF period piece of theatre insignia. If any members have additional information or thoughts to the contrary please feel free to post here .......
