The Vast Undercover Pentagon Army: Exploring Signature Reduction Techniques

In a recent Newsweek article, journalist Bill Arkin reveals the existence of a secret army deployed by the Pentagon that operates under the concept of 'signature reduction.' This army consists of 60,000 people who work undercover, often adopting masked identities and low-profile operations. The program aims to protect the identities and operations of military intelligence and special operation troops abroad. The origins of signature reduction can be traced back to the post-9/11 era, where the military shifted towards more clandestine and covert operations. Today, the program has expanded beyond counter-terrorism, with a significant focus on cyber and influence operations. The program's aim is to operate in a lower profile, safeguard identities, and execute operations with operational security in the smartphone and social media era.