UESAT Panama Defense Forces Uniform

[Nkomo]

Panamanian Defense Forces UESAT (Unidad Especial de Seguridad Antiterror) jungle jacket with an unbadged UESAT black beret that was brought back by a US soldier from the US invasion of Panama in 1989 (Operation Just Cause).

 

UESAT served a dual role. They were a highly trained and very specialized anti-terror unit initially trained in Israel and then trained in Panama by the Israelis. Apparently, this was arranged by former Mossad agent Mike Harari (Google that name if you want to go down a rabbit hole ). From what I understand there was an anti-terror unit and a platoon that personally guarded General Manuel Noriega. Size of the UESAT differs on what source you read. I've seen 70 to 110. Whatever the case, it was a very small unit akin to the US Delta Force (CAG).

 

DEVGRU and other SEAL elements were tasked with the mission to take down UESAT headquarters on Flamenco Island in Panama, The element went in aggressively by boat and helicopter, but no UESAT members were there.

 

The black beret with a UESAT metal badge was the standard headgear. This one follows known examples. I just think mine is an unissued example.

 

Jacket is a PDF copy of the US jungle jacket. Patches show puckering on the back, which indicates they have been sewn on and worn for a long time.

[SARGE]

Never seen one of these outfits before.  Very nice.

 

 

[Nkomo]

Thank you kindly!

[ScottG]

   Really sweet jacket and information Arch! Thanks for sharing it.   Scott