8-28. PSYOP forces possess limited capabilities to collect, process, integrate, analyze, evaluate, and interpret PSYOP-relevant information for use by supported geographic combatant command, JTFs, component commands, other OGAs, and other intelligence organizations.
RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS DIVISION
8-29. The DCO/RACA manages the Research and Analysis (R&A) Division of the Active Army POG that supports all PSYOP groups and their subordinate elements. The DCO/RACA represents the commander in the intelligence production cycle, directs special projects and analyses to support contingencies and special actions, and supervises Department of Army civilian intelligence analysts assigned to the SSD.
STRATEGIC STUDIES DETACHMENT
8-30. A SSD, organic to the R&A Division, supports each regional PSYOP battalion. The SSDs provide comprehensive analysis of the PSYOP environment. SSD analysts, possessing advanced academic degrees and language skills. They are responsible for the PSYOP portion of the Department of Defense Intelligence Production Program (DODIPP) by producing high-quality SPSs and SPAs and by writing the PSYOP appendix to the military capabilities study. The analysts conduct thorough research and analysis of target countries, regions, groups, and issues to develop effective PSYOP. The detachments provide timely political, cultural, social, political-military, economic, and policy analyses to PSYOP commanders and their staffs, as well as to other agencies.
8-31. SSD analysts also assist in deliberate and contingency planning and deploy to support operations. The PSYOP studies and other SSD-generated
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analytical products are accessible through the POAS, which also provides the PSYOP community with access to various classified and unclassified databases. Commanders can access POAS through INTELINK and the sensitive compartmented information (SCI) INTELINK systems.
BATTALION S-2
8-32. Upon receipt of an impending PSYOP mission, the S-2 accesses existing databases and available intelligence products to support the mission. All available sources including the theater SOC J-2, the theater JIC, as well as national, coalition, HN, and supported units’ resources. The S-2 also refers to the pertinent PSYOP studies produced by the SSD. These resources are processed and integrated as part of the PSYOP planning cycle. The PSYOP S-2—
• Accesses available intelligence to answer the commander’s PIR and intelligence requirements.
• Ensures access to the intelligence assets and products required to support the commander.
• Ensures that the specialized products produced by PSYOP personnel are included in intelligence databases.
• Tasks organic and attached intelligence assets and forwards IRs to higher HQ.
• Integrates PSYOP intelligence efforts with other units and agencies. • Maintains the current situation and environmental elements of the
common operating picture.
• Identifies, confirms, and coordinates priorities for unit geographic area requirements for geospatial information and services (GI&S) products and services to support OPLANs and CONPLANs.
TA ANALYSIS DETACHMENT
8-33. The TAAD, an element of the regional PSYOP battalion, identifies TAs and analyzes their conditions, vulnerabilities, susceptibilities, accessibilities, and effectiveness. TAAD and SSD personnel combine their efforts to monitor and analyze intelligence and prepare in-depth TA analyses in the form of a TAAW. The TAAD also analyzes propaganda, misinformation, and opposing information against the United States or its forces to recommend countermeasures.
TESTING AND EVALUATION DETACHMENT
8-34. Elements of the TED conduct surveys, interviews, and panels to collect PSYOP-relevant information. These activities are different from tactical intelligence collection. They use techniques developed for market analysis, survey research, and human intelligence (HUMINT). The detachment’s goal is to obtain specific information regarding a TA’s demography, socioeconomic status, and conditions.
8-35. PSYOP series are subjected to analysis or scrutiny by opposing forces. It is important to have access to intelligence on the opposing forces propaganda. This information may be obtained through a combination of order of battle (OB) data, multidiscipline counterintelligence (MDCI) analysis, and information and
analyses in PSYOP databases. PSYOP can also provide intelligence for use by the MDCI analysis and deception planning elements. This intelligence pertains to sociological prejudices or predilections of a targeted force that could be manipulated or exploited by a deception effort.
TACTICAL PSYOP BATTALION
8-36. The tactical POB provides direct PSYOP support to corps-level units and below. Tactical POBs develop, produce, and disseminate series assigned by the PSE or POTF. TPTs disseminate PSYOP products (for example, loudspeaker scripts, leaflets, handbills, and posters) in local areas and conduct face-to-face communications with the TAs. Tactical PSYOP units are able to collect information on the ground as they have direct access to the local populace and threat forces when disseminating products. TPTs provide the tactical POB and PSE or POTF with critical information on TA conditions.
8-37. A tactical PSYOP battalion also supports I/R operations. During conflict, detainees are continuous sources of current information of value for both PSYOP and intelligence operations. This battalion conducts tasks that support the overall PSYOP mission, to include—
• Screening the detainee facility population. • Interviewing and surveying the camp population. • Collecting PSYOP information.
• Disseminating reports of this information. • Recording detainee surrender appeals.
PSYOP SUPPORT TO INTELLIGENCE
8-38. PSYOP units also produce specialized intelligence products to support a variety of other combat and intelligence missions and operations. PSYOP units develop these intelligence products by monitoring and assessing situations and evaluating their impact on specified target groups and national objectives. Finally, this information is combined with additional research on specific target groups.
8-39. The main focus of this production effort is on socioeconomic, political, and diplomatic factors. It also focuses on the military aspects of a region, situation, or group. These products include, but are not limited to—
• Strategic-level documents such as SPSs and SPAs.
• Operational- or tactical-level analyses on specific target groups. • PSYOP reports and estimates.
8-40. Although PSYOP units primarily use these products to conduct their operations, the products also contain information and intelligence that is useful to other agencies. These products contain diverse information on social customs, enemy morale, and key nodes.
8-41. Through their specialized training and close contact with friendly and threat persons, PSYOP units can provide information of value to the PSYOP and intelligence efforts. PSYOP S-2s and other intelligence personnel must ensure this information is placed in intelligence channels. PSYOP units can conduct
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PSYOP assessments of I/R operations, coordinate the I/R intelligence collection activities, or otherwise support the information flow from threat areas.