DISTINCTIVE UNIT INSIGNIA.

Description: 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."

Symbolism: 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.

Background: 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.

Shield: Gray, a cross Sable charged with a second couped and barbed Argent, surmounted by a plate bearing a gunstone, charged with a lamp. Or, flamant Proper between four demi-arrows saltirewise issuant from the edges of the second.

Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Army Reserve: From a wreath Gray and Sable the Lexington Minute Man Proper. The statue of the Minute Man, Captain John Parker (H.H. Kitson, sculptor), stands on the common in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Motto: MUTATIO ANIMI (Attitude Change).

SYMBOLISM:

Shield: White (truth), black (untruth), and gray (half truth) represent the three types of propaganda. The black cross between black arrows denotes the untruths aimed at U.S. forces. The white disc emanating arrows in all directions reflects the unit’s ability to disseminate the truth utilizing all facets of psychological warfare. The lamp of knowledge symbolizes the use of information to influence the attitude and behavior of both friendly and enemy forces.

Crest: The crest is that of the U.S. Army Reserve.

Background: The coat of arms was authorized on 16 Jun 1996.