Originally authorized as the Distinctive Unit Insignia for the 305th Psychological Operations Battalion on 23 May 1972, this insignia was subsequently redesignated for the 16th Psychological Operations Battalion on 16 June 1996.
When it was originally constituted, the two primary Psychological Operation (PsyOp) capabilities employed by the unit today designated as the 16th Psychological Operations Battalion were found in its name—the 305th Radio Broadcasting and Leaflet Battalion—when it was formed in the Army Reserve in late December 1954. These two methods of disseminating propaganda are symbolized in the insignia by the gold lightning flashes and megaphones separated by rectangles.
From left to right at the top of the insignia, the colors gray, white, and black—also found on the coat of arms of the U.S. Army Special Warfare School, née Psychological Warfare School—denote the three types of information employed in PsyOps: Half-truth, truth, and untruth.
Based at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, the 16th Psychological Operations Battalion is assigned to the 2nd Psychological Operations Group. In addition to its HQ and HQ Company, it consists of four PsyOps Battalions—the 303rd, 316th, 338th, and 393rd—that are based in Pennsylvania, Indiana, South Carolina, and Illinois, respectively.
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Also known as a unit crest or DUI, the Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia."