DISTINCTIVE UNIT INSIGNIA.

Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18cm) in height overall consisting of a black disc bearing six gold lightning bolts radiating from center below three triangle sections radiating from center gray between white. Attached above a gold scroll inscribed "WIN WITH WORDS" in black letters.

Symbolism: The silhouette of the device was suggested by a broadcasting microphone, and the six lightning flashes referring to the spoken words or material being broadcast, the disc also alluding to a phonograph record. The black area being "illuminated" by the lightning flashes refers to the enlightening of error by the incursions of fact, the degree of truth being represented by the white and gray areas. The motto aside from its phrasing in reference to the distribution of leaflets dropped from the air, a favored method of disseminating printed information. The three white, gray, white sectors, the circle (o) formed by the disc, and the six lightning flashes also allude to the unit’s numerical designation.

Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally authorized for the 306th Psychological Operations Battalion on 22 Aug 1967. It was redesignated for the 17th Psychological Operations Battalion on 16 Jun 1996.

Shield: Per chevron reversed Argent and Sable a pile Silver Gray, in base a sunburst of seventeen environed by six lightning bolts radiating from nombril Or.

Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Army Reserve: From a wreath Argent and Sable, the Lexington Minute Man Proper.

Motto: WIN WITH WORDS.

SYMBOLISM:

Shield: The black shield represents the untruth. The sunburst and lightning bolts symbolize the unit’s ability to enlighten error by the incursion of fact. The degree of truth is suggested by the white and gray areas of the shield: white denotes the truth and gray partial truth. The seventeen rays of the sunburst allude to the unit’s designation.

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

Background: The coat of arms was authorized on 26 Jun 1996. The blazon and symbolism was amended on 2 Aug 1996.