U.S. Army Psychological Operations into the Year 2000
Abstract
This paper looks at present day shortfalls in the national PSYOP organizational structure and in particular the U.S. Army. It attempts to look specifically at the organization of U.S. Army PSYOP under the existing CAPSTONE plan, which apportions PSYOP forces to maneuver units based on the cold-war strategic environment of the last 40 years. With downsizing being driven by budgetary constraints, new methods and organizations must be created to more effectively address the needs of the nation for PSYOP across the operational continuum. This requires a reorganization of U.S. Army PSYOP under a new provisional table of organization and equipment, with units regionally focused to perform their missions in any contingencies, versus permanent allocation to a CINC. A national-level organization for PSYOP must be established to insure PSYOP is an integral part of our national security policies and programs. Ad hoc committees created in reaction to regional crisis are not the answer. The continuity of a standing interagency board or committee to provide the necessary coordinating mechanism for development of a coherent, worldwide PSYOP strategy is badly needed. This study examines historically, two recent conflicts (Vietnam, Desert Storm) where PSYOP played a major role, looks at the problems brought to light at their conclusions, and makes recommendations to improve U.S. PSYOP capabilities into the year 2000.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA264566
Entities
People
- Terry F. Greene
Organizations
- United States Army War College