Exemption (b)(2) is often cited to protect sensitive information related to internal rules, processes, and management of an agency, particularly when disclosure would risk circumvention of those rules. In the original release of the document, these redactions appeared throughout, obscuring details of how JPOTF headquarters operate during psychological operations (PSYOP), including its organizational structure, training methodology, and mission-related tasks.

The 2016 re-review of the document resulted in a full release with no redactions. This version, now available for download below, includes significant information previously withheld. The document, titled “Joint Psychological Operations Task Force Headquarters Master Training Guide,” provides comprehensive guidance for military leaders on training and organizing PSYOP units.

One of the most significant sections now fully visible is the description of how JPOTF integrates with other military components. For example, the document now reveals that the JPOTF coordinates closely with Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and various intelligence agencies to conduct strategic, operational, and tactical PSYOP. It emphasizes the importance of intelligence, communications systems, and psychological analysis in crafting effective operations designed to influence foreign groups and governments.

In addition, sections dealing with command relationships and operational procedures for PSYOP missions were initially obscured but are now fully visible. The 2024 release includes details about the approval process for PSYOP, which must be authorized by the National Command Authorities or, in some cases, delegated to combatant commanders. The newly available text also outlines specific mission objectives for different types of PSYOP operations, such as influencing adversary military tactics and undermining hostile leadership morale.

The FOIA release letter noted that the Joint Psychological Operations Task Force Headquarters Master Training Guide was officially cancelled on January 26, 2004, and no subsequent version has replaced it. While this document is no longer in use, it is likely that other, more detailed PSYOP training manuals exist, which the public has yet to access. These could provide even greater insight into modern psychological operations and their evolving tactics.

Despite being no longer on the books, the release of this training manual provides a clearer view of how JPOTF units are trained and deployed, offering additional insight into aspects of U.S. military operations that were previously redacted. The details about psychological warfare techniques, organization, and strategic objectives, now available in full, offer a more complete understanding of these operations for public examination.

For those interested, the full unredacted document, FOIA case 16-F-1727, can be viewed below.

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Document Archive

FOIA Victory: Full Disclosure of Military Psychological Operations Training Document [331 Pages, 67MB]

The post FOIA Victory: Full Disclosure of Military Psychological Operations Training Document first appeared on The Black Vault.

Psychological Operations (PSYOPs) are strategic efforts used by military and governmental organizations to influence the perceptions, emotions, and behavior of foreign populations, governments, organizations, or individuals. The primary goal of PSYOPs is to shape attitudes and decision-making in ways that align with the objectives of the originating force, typically to gain an advantage in conflicts or operations without direct military engagement.

PSYOPs can take many forms, including propaganda campaigns, dissemination of information or misinformation, and psychological tactics designed to weaken enemy morale, create confusion, or bolster support among allies or neutral parties. These operations may involve a variety of communication channels such as radio, television, social media, leaflets, and face-to-face interactions.

While traditionally used in times of war or conflict to sway the opinions of enemy forces or civilians, PSYOPs can also be employed in peacetime for diplomatic or political purposes, such as countering terrorism, shaping public opinion, or supporting humanitarian missions. Ultimately, PSYOPs aim to influence a target audience to behave in a manner favorable to the goals of the country or organization conducting the operation, often through psychological or emotional appeals rather than physical force.

 Guide to Psychological Warfare Records in Departmental Records Branch, October 1951 [184 Pages, 10.42MB]

Document Archive

 The Creation and Dissemination of All Forms of Information in Support of Psychological Operations (PSYOP) in Time of Military Conflict [63 Pages]

 Doctrine for Joint Psychological Operations [66 Pages]

 “Final Draft, Executive Summary, Volume 3 – Psychological Operations – 75 , Special Warfare – 75 , Basic Derivative Study (BDS) [38 pages, 5.34mb]

Joint Psychological Operations Task Force Headquarters Master Training Guide – This manual provides a descriptive, performance-oriented training guide to assist leaders in training their units and guiding the functions of the joint psychological operations task force (JP01F) headquarters (HQ) in actual operations.

 Overt Psychological Operations – DoD Directive S-3321.1 [8 Pages, 1.28mb]

 Psychological Effects of U.S. Air Operations in Four Wars, 1941-1991. Lessons for U.S. Commanders [243 Pages]

 PSYOP Operations in the 21st Century [38 Pages]

 United States Special Operations Command Security Classification Guide for the Psychological Operations Planning and Analysis System (POPAS) [28 Pages, 1.19MB]

 WAR.COM: The Internet and Psychological Operations [30 Pages]

The post Psychological Operations first appeared on The Black Vault.