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8th PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS BATTALION
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
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.

Symbolism
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 white 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.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally authorized for the 8th Psychological Operations Battalion on 7 Jan 1969. It was amended to correct the description on 4 Feb 1969. The insignia was amended on 22 Mar 1993 to include the metric measurement in the description and revise the symbolism.




Coat of Arms


Description/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 Tenn, armed Argent.

Motto

TRIUMPHUS PERSUASIONIS (Triumph of Persuasion).

Symbolism

Shield

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.

Background
The coat of arms was authorized on 22 Mar 1993. It was amended to include a crest on 22 July 2002.





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