Fort Liberty, North Carolina, is at the center of an innovative new recruitment strategy by the U.S. Army. A video released on Thursday, May 2, titled “Ghost in the Machine 2” caused quite a stir. A major from the 8th Psychological Operations Group based at Fort Liberty created the video, using haunting imagery and historical voices to captivate the audience.
The ad is a strategic move by the Army’s psychological warfare soldiers to attract new recruits, particularly for the Special Operations Command. The video’s cryptic messages and captivating visuals personify the kind of work these soldiers do to influence public opinion and wage wars of words overseas.
Psyop units, like the 8th Psychological Operations Group, are tasked with missions ranging from simple leaflet drops to sophisticated propaganda campaigns aimed at shaping foreign opinion. For instance, in World War II, the so-called U.S. Ghost Army used innovative tactics like inflatable tanks and radio tricks to outwit the Germans.
Today, psychological operations remain critical for the U.S. Army, although their work is often classified. One recent example includes helping Ukrainian troops in countering Russian disinformation campaigns.
However, despite the critical nature of their work, recruiting for psyop units has proven challenging. The U.S. Army struggled to meet enlistment goals recently. It cited factors such as low unemployment, competition from the private sector and pandemic-related restrictions, which did not allow for recruiters in schools.
Recruiters hope that the “Ghost in the Machine” videos will spark interest among potential recruits. Initial feedback from soldiers who viewed the first video suggests that it has had a significant influence on their decision to pursue a career in psychological operations.
As the U.S. Army continues its recruitment efforts, one thing is clear: the power of words and ideas remains a potent force in shaping the future of military operations.
