PURPOSE. This manual is a guide to commanders and their staffs in the conduct of psychological warfare. It covers the nature, capabilities, and limitations of psychological warfare; outlines Department of the Army policies and principles relative to its conduct in the field; and provides a guide to methods and principles of training therein. The technical details of the conduct of operations will be found in manuals covering the employment of the various means (such as artillery, aircraft, and radio) used in psychological warfare activities. FOREWORD As a military weapon, psychological warfare is no newer than the rumors whispered about Hannibal, the wave of terror spread in advance of the armies of Genghis Khan, Philip of Macedonia, and Attila the Hun, and the methods used by George Washington to increase desertion among the Hessians. What is new about psychological warfare is the manner in which it recently has been systematically organized and used as an integral part of military operations. Experience has demonstrated conclusively that psychological warfare is a highly effective weapon which can be used to minimize expenditure of human life and destruction of property. It is not a substitute for battle, but a supplementary means of combat which can facilitate and exploit success on the battlefield. Psychological warfare has limitations and disadvantages. One American army commander who achieved outstanding success in World War II expressed this idea when he said, “Psychological warfare had an important place in the European Campaign. It can accomplish much good. It can also be extremely harmful.” It is the duty of commanders to understand how to secure the beneficial effects and to avoid those which are harmful. CONTENTS CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION - Section I. Purpose and definitions - Section II. Psychological warfare - CHAPTER 2. BASIC PRINCIPLES - CHAPTER 3. THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE OFFICE - CHAPTER 4. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY AND THEATER LEVELS - Section I. General 23–24 - Section II. Responsibilities and procedures of theater psychological warfare division 25–26 - Section III. Organization and functions of theater psychological warfare division 27–32 - Section IV. Other headquarters 33–34 - CHAPTER 5. PLANNING, PROCEDURES, AND MEANS WITHIN ARMY GROUP - CHAPTER 6. INTELLIGENCE - CHAPTER 7. DEFENSE AGAINST ENEMY PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE - Section I. General 49–50 - Section II. Methods 51–56 - CHAPTER 8. TRAINING - APPENDIX I. THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE PLAN AND ANNEX - APPENDIX II. DISSEMINATION OF LEAFLETS BY AIRCRAFT - APPENDIX III. DISSEMINATION OF LEAFLETS BY ARTILLERY - INDEX