The U.S. Army has released a new recruiting video, titled “Ghost in the Machine 2,” created by a member of the 8th Psychological Operations Group based in Fort Liberty, North Carolina. The video aims to attract potential recruits to join the Special Operations Command, showcasing the innovative and creative mindset required for psychological warfare missions. Psyop units are responsible for a range of missions, including propaganda and messaging to deceive or shape opinions on foreign soil. The Army Special Operations Command hopes that the video will generate interest and bring in recruits to fill the ranks.
Recruiting challenges in Army Special Operations Command mirror those of the larger Army, with struggles to meet enlistment goals due to factors such as low unemployment, competition from corporate businesses, and restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Army’s Special Operations recruiters are working to bring in between 3,000 and 4,000 soldiers, with about 650 active-duty soldiers needed for psychological operations each year. Despite the challenges, the Army is pushing to recruit more soldiers into specialized units like Psychological Operations, Green Berets, and Delta Force.
Psychological operations have a long history, with notable examples like the U.S. Ghost Army in World War II using deception tactics to outwit the Germans. Today, psyop activities are often classified, and soldiers in this field play crucial roles in influencing enemy actions and shaping public opinion. Recent examples include assisting Ukrainian troops in countering Russian disinformation campaigns and providing support during the chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan in 2021. The work of psyop soldiers often goes unrecognized but has significant impacts on the battlefield.
Recruiters for Army Special Operations Command are facing challenges in attracting new talent, particularly among regular soldiers who have less interaction with special operations forces compared to previous conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan. The internal audience poses unique challenges, as many soldiers may not fully understand the role and importance of psychological operations. The recruiters are working to educate and attract a new generation of soldiers who possess a creative and innovative mindset required for these specialized missions.
The “Ghost in the Machine” video series aims to showcase the role of psychological operations and attract potential recruits who are interested in influencing and changing behavior through words and ideas. The first video was successful in influencing soldiers to apply for the psyop mission, with more than half of applicants citing the video as a factor in their decision. The latest video, “Ghost in the Machine 2,” follows a similar format, ending with a call to action and showcasing the website for those interested in learning more.
Overall, the U.S. Army’s Psychological Operations units play a critical role in modern warfare, using innovative tactics to influence enemy actions and shape public opinion. The recruiting challenges faced by Army Special Operations Command highlight the need to attract new talent and educate soldiers on the importance of specialized units like Psychological Operations. Through creative recruiting efforts like the “Ghost in the Machine” video series, the Army aims to inspire a new generation of soldiers to join the ranks and contribute to the mission of defending the nation.
