US Citizens Psychological Operations
Military psychological operations (PSYOP) are strictly prohibited from targeting U.S. citizens within the United States. According to Executive Order S-1233 and Department of Defense (DOD) policy, PSYOP units and soldiers are legally barred from conducting PSYOP missions on domestic audiences. However, there have been instances where military PSYOP activities may have inadvertently or improperly impacted U.S. citizens.
One notable case involved Lt. Gen. William Caldwell, who commanded an Information Operations (IO) cell that allegedly targeted U.S. senators and representatives during a visit to Afghanistan. This campaign aimed to manipulate the perceptions and opinions of U.S. lawmakers through psychological operations, which is in direct violation of U.S. law and DOD policy. In response, General David Petraeus launched an investigation into the potential illegal use of PSYOP and propaganda against U.S. citizens.
Another case highlighted the Air Force’s attempt to use false identities on social media platforms like Facebook to disseminate DOD propaganda to civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan. This raises concerns about the lack of protections for Americans using social media sites that may be targeted by the military.
These incidents underscore the need for Congress to conduct thorough investigations into any potentially illegal activities involving PSYOP and to ensure that military operations do not improperly influence or target U.S. citizens.
According to federal law and the “Military Psychological Operations” report, it is illegal for the US military to practice psychological operations on American citizens, as this would be a violation of the Smith-Mundt Act of 1948. However, there have been reports and allegations of the US military being involved in psychological operations and propaganda campaigns targeting US citizens during the Covid-19 pandemic.
US Military Psychological Operations: The US military has been accused of using psychological operations to influence the emotions, motives, and behaviors of US citizens during the pandemic, which would be a violation of federal law.
Smith-Mundt Act of 1948: This act prohibits the US government from using propaganda techniques on US citizens, and requires that any information operations be directed at foreign audiences.
Covid-19 Pandemic: The pandemic has been used as a pretext for the US military to engage in psychological operations and propaganda campaigns targeting US citizens, allegedly to promote compliance with public health measures and to shape public opinion.
PsyOps and Propaganda: Psychological operations and propaganda techniques have been used to influence the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of US citizens during the pandemic, including the use of social media, news outlets, and other forms of communication.
Government and Military Involvement: There have been reports of government and military involvement in these psychological operations, including the use of military personnel and resources to promote propaganda and disinformation.
Civil Liberties and Ethics: The use of psychological operations and propaganda on US citizens during the pandemic raises concerns about civil liberties and ethics, as it potentially infringes on the rights of citizens to make informed decisions and to express their opinions freely.
(information generated with Brave Search Engine AI)
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