The Use of Psychological Operations as a Strategic Tool

Abstract

The technology revolution the world is now experiencing has changed the way we do business, the way we live, and the way we fight wars. Never before in our history has the population been exposed to the magnitude of information they are being exposed to today. This information has a direct affect on how the United States interacts with other nations, allies, and adversaries. A potential now exists to use information to our advantage in the pursuit of our national interests. This Strategic Research Paper examines the importance of using information in Psychological Operations (PSYOP) as a strategic tool for achieving national goals and objectives. It provides a review of national security policies pertaining to use of PSYOP, examines the availability and relevancy of PSYOP policy, and provides an analysis of the policy and recommendations to improve it. Additionally this research paper will analyze the use of PSYOP during Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM (DS/DS) and examine lessons learned from the use of PSYOP as a combat multiplier during this war.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 10, 2000
Accession Number
ADA377939

Entities

People

  • Kathy J. Perry

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Combat Operations
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Department Of Defense
  • Employment
  • Force Structure
  • Governments
  • Information Operations
  • Information Systems
  • National Security
  • Psychological Operations
  • Task Forces
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • United States
  • United States Central Command
  • United States Special Operations Command
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.