The 15th Psychological Operations Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), or unit crest, was first approved for the unit on 21 June 1967, but was updated with revised symbolism and description on 14 August 1996.
An arrowhead divided into three sections is the foundation of the insignia, with a torch in the topmost section serving as emblem of knowledge and corresponding to the word “Minds” in the unit motto of “Minds Words Deeds.” In the center section, a stylized sound wave is a symbol of both mechanical and oral sounds, and matches the motto’s “Words.” A quill in the bottom section is an allusion to the printed word or graphic art, expresses the word “Deeds” in reference to the organization’s work at employing words and images to bring the greatest impact to a given message.
The arrowhead is a symbol of war and conflict and evokes images related to the struggle for the minds of men and the ancient or historical employment of psychological operations; it also is a reminder that psychological operations is a weapons system that complements conventional systems by serving as a force multiplier. Additionally, the colors of the arrowhead are a reference to the types of propaganda that may be used in a PsyOp campaign (white, gray, black).
Distinctive Unit Insignias are 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. 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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The 15th Psychological Operations Battalion was first constituted in the Regular Army under that designation on 29 October 1965 and activated 20 December 1965. It was redesignated on 30 October 1975 as HHC, 15th Psychological Operations Battalion and simultaneously withdrawn from the Regular Army, allotted to the Army Reserve, and activated at Fort Thomas in Kentucky.
In August 2000 it moved from Fort Thomas to Cincinnati, Ohio, and the following month was ordered into active military service to support the War on Terrorism; it would not be released from active service until 2009, at which point additional elements of the Battalion were ordered into service. During that nine-year stint of active service, the Battalion took part in two campaigns, both in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom: National Resolution and Iraqi Surge.
As of Summer 2023, the 15th Psychological Operations Battalion is assigned to the 2nd Psychological Operations Group. It remains headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.