Psychological Operations

Background

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]

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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]

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