Set of 2 US Army Special Forces Green Beret Patches

De oppresso liber is the motto of the United States Army Special Forces.

In the United States Army Special Forces, the motto is traditionally believed to mean "liberate from oppression" or "liberate the oppressed" in Latin.

U.S. Army Special Forces unit insignia; WWII-era V-42 stiletto combat knife in the center of the unit insignia and 2 crossed arrows pointing upward.

The United States Army Special Forces (also known as the Green Berets, due to their distinctive beret, a contribution from a young officer, Edson Raff, and authorized by President Kennedy) are special forces of the United States Army trained for unconventional warfare and special operations. Founded by Aaron Bank, they are based on the 1st US-Canadian Special Services Force created by Colonel Robert T. Frederick during World War II, from which they adopt the symbols (the two crossed arrows on the lapels and the Indian arrowhead on the sleeve).

Their official motto is De Oppresso Liber, "From oppressed, free," a reference to one of their primary tasks: training and assisting local forces of a foreign country allied to the United States.

Special Forces units have six specific primary tasks: unconventional warfare, contributing to the internal defense of foreign countries, special reconnaissance, direct action, counterterrorism, and hostage rescue. Other tasks include search and rescue, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, minefield clearance, psychological warfare, and counter-drug operations.