It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
Originally posted by Cesearesque
When I first read this topic, I thought you meant Psy-Ops!
I thought that ended in the 70's
Originally posted by joelhar
reply to post by HattoriHanzou
First, there is a reason these programs are covert. Covert programs are "deniable", meaning there is no association with this program as a function of the US. What the Senator is missing is the possibility of a "clandestine" program, where the actually mission is hidden.
Second, the Senator is in a world of trouble by openly speaking about classified programs. Congress is widely regarded as the last place that can keep a secret, but this Senator is talking about classified programs that are described in a classified document. The problem is nobody is going to prosecute this Senator, that's a fact. The Senator is probably trying to make a name for himself or is seeking funding for a pet project. There is even an outside chance that the Senator has a personal beef with someone on a personal level and is trying to professionally embarrass them, which is often the case on Capitol Hill.
The less said about classified programs the better, in this case. Exacerbating the problem is the Senator has no clue about how to protect the people or programs involved.
..and last, Psychological Operations did not stop in the 1970s, they have been ongoing as a part of the US Army nonstop. There was a name change in 2010, to Military Information Support Activities, to reflect their actual mission. The PSYOP label implied insidious capabilities and missions that just was not true.