§ 578.83 - Special Operations Diver Badge.

(a) The Scuba Diver Badge was renamed the Special Operations Diver Badge (SODB). In additional to the SODB, another skill level was created, Special Operations Diving Supervisor Badge (SODSB).

(b) Eligibility criteria. The basic eligibility criteria for award of the SODB and the SODSB are as follows:

(1) The SODB is awarded to graduates of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS) Combat Diver Qualification Course (CDQC), Special Forces Underwater Operations, Key West, Florida or any other United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) approved combat diver qualification course.

(2) The SODSB is awarded to graduates of the USAJFKSWCS CDQC, Special Forces Underwater Operations, Key West, Florida or any other USASOC approved combat diving supervisor course. Prerequisite for the SODSB is the SODB.

(c) Approval authority. The Commanding General, USAJFKSWCS is the approval authority for the SODB and the SODSB.

(d) Retroactive award. The SODB and the SODSB may be awarded retroactively to members of any service who successfully completed the USAJFKSWCS CDQC and the Combat Diving Supervisor Course on or after October 1, 1964. Retroactive award requests will be submitted to the Commander, USAJFKSWCS, ATTN: AOJK-GPB (C/21 SWTG LNO), Fort Bragg, NC 28310. Retroactive requests for veterans must be forwarded to the National Personnel Records Center, ATTN: NRPMA-M, 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63132-5100.

(e) Revocation. The SODB and the SODSB may be revoked by the Commander, USAJFKSWCS or the CG, USA HRC, based on the recommendation of the field commander (COL and above). If the commander believes the individual has exhibited a pattern of behavior or duty performance that is inconsistent with expectations of the Army, or the qualified service member does not continuously demonstrate enhanced degrees of confidence, commitment, competency and discipline, then the badge may be revoked. Award of the SODB and the SODSB may be revoked for any of the following conditions:

(1) Dismissal, dishonorable discharge, or conviction by courts-martial for desertion in time of war.

(2) Failure to maintain prescribed standards of personal fitness and readiness to accomplish missions commensurate with position and rank.

(3) Upon relief or release for cause.

(f) Description. (1) SODB. A silver badge 11/8 inches (2.86cm) in height consisting of a diver's head in full gear in front of two crossed Sykes-Fairbain Commando daggers points up. Around either side of the diver's head is diving shark with tail fin behind the dagger point.

(2) SODSB. A silver badge 11/8 inches (2.86cm) in height consisting of a diver's head in full gear in front of two crossed Sykes-Fairbain Commando daggers points up. Around either side of the diver's head a diving shark with tail fin behind the dagger point. Over the mouth piece is a star surrounded by a wreath of laurel.