1977-1978. The patch was only allowed on our fatigues and only came in subdued form. It was not an official army patch and couldn't be worn once you transferred out of the 82nd. I'm surprised that someone went to this course in 1981, because shortly after my class, the school shut down. I guess they reopened it later. I have searched the interent for a replacement and can't find one. Maybe my memory is just failing. It wasn't like the MACV version (a platoon sgt in my company was allowed to wear his.) Ours was smaller, arrow shaped, but darned if I remember there being an AA (opposing A's) in the middle of it like some of those I've found on the internet. If anyone has one of these rarities, could you scan it and post, or post a sketch of what it looked like. I hate to buy one with the AA's if it isn't authentic. There are so many made-up patches floating around on the net & surplus stores that I'd look like an idiot if I had one. For that matter, many of the supposed vietnam era MACV ones I've seen are forgeries also. I believe the originals had LRRP at the top, not RECONDO