The Black Vault just forced the full release of the Joint Psychological Operations Task Force (JPOTF) Headquarters Master Training Guide – a 331-page doctrine on how the U.S. military runs large-scale psychological operations to shape perceptions, influence behavior, and lock in narratives during crises. Key takeaways from the now-unredacted doc:
PSYOP task forces integrate with joint commands to convey selected information to audiences, alter attitudes/behavior (>20% measurable change goal), and support broader Information Operations (IO) – including offensive/defensive tactics with OPSEC, electronic warfare, and deception.
Heavy focus on media selection/manipulation: Using radio/TV/leaflets/print/audiovisual to achieve >75% coverage in target areas, select themes/symbols, and monitor/counter enemy narratives.
Post-event management: Assess effectiveness (bomb damage assessment-style for psy impact), consolidate gains in “occupied” or crisis areas, shift loyalties, publicize reforms, and use AARs (after-action reviews) to refine doctrine and control future messaging. Integration with intelligence (J2 for target packages), logistics for rapid product dissemination, and plans (J5) to derive objectives aligned with national guidance.
This is textbook narrative control: Reenact trauma (like TPUSA’s tent replica?), flood media with approved themes, degrade alternative voices, and reinforce the “official” story to induce desired behaviors.
Sound familiar? The rush to call Charlie’s death a “lone wolf” while smearing investigators (Candace, Mitch) as conspiracy nuts? The emotional exploitation at AmFest? This manual blueprints it all.
Fort Huachuca note: Despite deep ties to intel/EW/drone training, the manual mentions ZERO about Fort Huachuca (or Arizona bases). Named locations are Fort Bragg (PSYOP HQ), PA/MN/CA units – no Huachuca link here.
But the doctrine? Perfectly matches attempts to contain the growing questions around secret meetings, drones overhead, family defense contracts, and EMP disruptions.
This isn’t foreign-only – the tactics are universal for “influence.”
Full document: Joint Psychological Operations Task Force Headquarters Master Training Guide