The 5th Psychological Operations Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, also called a unit crest or DUI, was originally approved on 31 January 1967. Two curved arrows are emblems of enemy propaganda that distort the truth and are aimed at friendly forces, while the straight arrow is a symbol of truth and information piercing the enemy’s lies and shining the light of awareness on recipients. Three colors associated with propaganda—white for truth, gray for half-truth, black for untruth—are used in varying shades to reflect their intended effect.
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" and 21–3(d) and (e),
"Beret" and
"Garrison Cap," respectively.
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Constituted on 3 March 1951 in the Regular Army as the 5th Loudspeaker and Leaflet Company and activated at Fort Riley, Kansas on 19 March 1951, the unit first received its current designation on 25 June 1965. It was redesignated the 5th Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Group in 1975 when it was allotted to the Army Reserve. When it was redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Service Company, 5th PSYOP Battalion in November 2003, it was allotted to the Regular Army and subsequently activated at Fort Bragg on 16 October 2004 as part of the 4th Psychological Operations Group.
The Battalion is currently a subordinate unit of the 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne) and comprises a Headquarters Support Company and two PSYOP companies. It supports operations in the Indo-Pacific region conducted by United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).
Its motto is “Victory Through Influence.”