Ghosts in the Machine | Full Spectrum Special Operations (PSYOP)
Jul 22, 2022
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MAJ Lamb, creator of the provocative PSYOP video 'Ghosts in the Machine,' joins MAJ Holzmann, a PSYOP history expert. They unpack the impact of psychological operations, revealing how past strategies shaped modern military tactics. The duo discusses the ethics of deception in warfare and raises intriguing questions about influence in recruitment. They delve into the video’s emotional layers and the unintended effects of viral media. Prepare for a thought-provoking exploration of military strategy and psychological warfare!
Psychological Operations (PSYOP) strategically influence target audiences through various communication methods, revealing their complex role in modern military engagement.
The historical context of PSYOP, from World War II strategies to contemporary practices, illustrates how effective information manipulation has evolved to achieve military objectives.
Diversity in educational backgrounds and skills significantly enhances the effectiveness of PSYOP teams, emphasizing the importance of creative and analytical thinking in operations.
Deep dives
Understanding Psychological Operations
Psychological Operations (SIOP) involve the strategic insertion of information into the environment to influence targeted audiences or individuals. This practice can utilize various methods, ranging from high-tech tools to basic, face-to-face conversations. The episode emphasizes that all forms of communication can be seen as potential psychological operations, including dead bodies used as a means of messaging. It underscores the significance of these operations across different spectrums of military engagement, particularly in today's complex information environment.
The Historical Context of SIOP
The history of psychological operations traces back to significant military strategies, such as those implemented by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA. During World War II, notable figures like Wild Bill Donovan established the philosophy that information acts as the 'tip of the spear' in military operations. This has evolved over time, where understanding the past informs current practices, including the use of deception in modern warfare. Historical examples, including operations that utilized inflatable tanks to mislead enemy forces, highlight the value of effective psychological operations in achieving military objectives.
Key Traits of Successful Psyopers
Individuals drawn to SIOP come from diverse educational backgrounds, including fields such as psychology, sociology, and even the arts. This unique blend of skills is seen as crucial for creating effective psychological operations, as they often need analytical thinking and creativity simultaneously. The episode identifies that there isn't a single 'perfect' profile for a psyoper; rather, diversity and various skill sets contribute to the effectiveness of SIOP teams. Gender diversity is also highlighted, noting the long history of women in psychological operations since World War I.
Modern Applications and Examples
Contemporary psychological operations can take many forms, both technologically advanced and traditional. The discussion illustrates that not all operations require high-tech solutions, as low-tech methods can also be very effective, especially in areas with limited technological access. For example, the U.S. military has used loudspeakers and leaflets to influence enemy combatants, demonstrating how straightforward messaging can have a substantial impact on combat behavior. The conversation also references the importance of integrating SIOP strategies across various operations to effectively persuade and inform target populations.
The Controversy Surrounding 'Ghost in the Machine'
The episode addresses the online response to a video titled 'Ghost in the Machine,' which sparked significant debate within military and civilian audiences. The creators aimed to capture the essence of SIOP without explicitly detailing its operations, leaving many viewers to interpret its meaning personally. This provoked varied reactions rooted in individual perspectives, showcasing the broader implications of psychological influence. Ultimately, the conversation reflects on the dual nature of communication in military contexts—how it can inspire while also leading to misconceptions among different audience segments.
What’s the deal with the new highly controversial new PSYOP recruiting video entitled “Ghosts in the Machine?” What are Psychological Operations? Are they really pulling the strings of foreign governments around the world? We sit with the creator of the Ghost in the Machine video, MAJ Lamb, and a PSYOP history expert MAJ Holzmann to explore the answers.