The Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) of the 6th Psychological Operations Battalion was approved on 3 January 1967, some fourteen months after the Battalion was activated in Vietnam on 1 November 1965. Over the course of the next six years, the Battalion’s service in disseminating leaflets and broadcasting psychological operations (PSYOP) messages over loudspeakers was recognized with two Meritorious Unit Commendations and a Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class.
After a brief period of inactivation between June 1971 and September 1972, the unit was redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 6th Psychological Operations Battalion in 1990 and then as HQ and HQ Service Company, 6th PSYOP Battalion on 16 November 1995. In addition to its honors from Vietnam, the Battalion was also awarded a Meritorious Unit Citation for its actions during the three campaigns of the Southwest Asia conflict in 1990 – 1991, as well another MUC for service between 1 January 2009 and 29 May 2011.
As of 2023, the 6th Psychological Airborne Battalion is assigned to 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne) and supports operations in Europe conducted by United States European Command (EUCOM).
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Also referred to as a unit crest, the 6th Psychological Operations Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia features oak leaves and three lightning flashes—gray, black, and white—emanating from the hilt of a sword; the colors represent half-truth, untruth, and truth, respectively. Gold used throughout the insignia represents excellence and high achievement.
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.