The 56th Information Operations Group—also known as 56th Theater Information Operations Group—is a Washington Army National Guard unit that was stood up in 2012 and which is stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Very little information was made public about the unit when it was first formed, and what was released was very broad in scope (its mission is to “help commanders execute goals by shaping the opinions of their opponents and of foreign populations”).
As of 2022, the Group included 1-19th Special Forces Company, specializing in Search and Rescue missions, and the 34st Military Intelligence Company, which provides linquists in Japanese, Korean, Russian, Chinese, Thai, Arabic, Persian Farsi, and many other languages and which also provides various Intelligence capabilities (SIGINT, HUMINT, COINTELetc.). The 56th Theater Information Operations Group also contains special operations experts and highly trained cyber security experts.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a 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.
The 56th Information Operations Group Distinctive Unit Insignia features a sword and lightning flash crossed and superimposed on over a snowy mountain, with a green plain and a forest of evergreens in the foreground. The mountain is Mount Rainier, easily seen from the unit’s home, while the crossed sword and lightning flash are borrowed from the Psychological Operation branch insignia. The meaning of the unit motto, “Defending Mercury,” is unclear.
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.