8th Psychological Operations Battalion, US Army
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 (Distinctive Unit Insignia) |
Official blazon
Shield: Vert (bottle green), on an octagon one point up Argent (Silver Gray) voided Sable, four lightning flashes two and two radiating from base point Or overall, and between the flashes a quill palewise of the last.
Crest: From a wreath Silver Gray and Vert, a laurel wreath Proper superimposed by a bamboo annulet Or and surmounted by two scimitars hilts to base saltirewise Proper; overall a dragon's head couped Gules garnished Tenné, armed Argent.
Motto: TRIUMPHUS PERSUASIONIS (Triumph of Persuasion).
Distinctive Unit Insignia, Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height, consisting of a black octagon within a white border one point up, bearing four gold lightning flashes radiating from the base point, overall between the flashes, two and two, a gold quill pen; all above a gold scroll inscribed "TRIUMPHUS PERSUASIONIS" in black.
Origin/meaning
Bottle green and silver gray are colors traditionally associated with Psychological Operations organizations. The black background of the octagon refers to the darkness of ignorance in reference to the uninformed state of mind of the Battalion’s target audience. The silver gray border conveys light and knowledge and points to the unit’s goal of enlightening the mind by means of persuasion. The lightning flashes imply radio broadcasts or oral words; the quill is for written words and together they represent the methods used by the organization to persuade the target audience. The eight sides suggest the Battalion’s numerical designation.
Crest: Silver gray and bottle (Vert) represent the branch of the battalion. The many campaigns in which the unit participated in Vietnam are recalled by the bamboo annulet and the dragon's head. The annulet also denotes continuity of achievement during Vietnam service. The scimitars signify unit campaigns in defense of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The laurel wreath, symbolic of honor and achievement, refers to the decorations awarded to the battalion. Gold denotes excellence.
The arms were approved on 22 March 1993, it was amended to add a Crest on 22 July 2002. The distinctive unit insignia was originally authorized for the 8th Psychological Operations Battalion on 7 January 1969. It was amended to correct the description on 4 Feb 1969. The insignia was amended on 22 March 1993 to include the metric measurement in the description and revise the symbolism.
Literature: Image from http://www.milbadges.com/
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