A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (3.02cm) in height overall consisting of a gray enamel disc with four stylized black enamel arrows saltirewise with points to center, between a barbed white enamel cross surmounted at center, and touching the black arrows, by a white enamel disc bearing a gold lamp of knowledge with red flame, all above a gold scroll inscribed in black enamel letters the Latin words, "MUTATIO ANIMI," which is translated "Attitude Change."
White, gray and black are the colors used by Psychological Operations units to denote the three forms of propaganda; Truth, half-truth and untruth. The lamp of knowledge represents the use of information to influence the attitude and behavior of both friendly and enemy forces. The white disc symbolizes the organization, and the barbed cross, the arms simulating arrows, refers to all facets of psychological warfare. The gray disc and black arrows symbolize protection from covert psychological warfare against the organization. The barbs, placed at the cardinal points of a compass, allude to the scope of the battalion.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally authorized for the 353d Psychological Operations Battalion on 16 Feb 1971. It was redesignated for the 12th Psychological Operations Battalion on 16 Jun 1996.