What is the difference between a human intelligence collector, and a psyoper?

2018-03-26T01:10:46-04:00

Both of these MOS are on my list, and I wanted to know what set them apart.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2018 3:22 AM

2018-03-26T03:22:43-04:00

The basic difference is that HUMINTers are trained to collect information to potentially be turned into actionable intelligence, thus giving friendly forces a look at the enemy's disposition and other useful information for combatant commanders to use.

Psyops is mainly concerned with affecting the perception of the populace in the country we're operating in. So - propaganda, etc.

I don't really know much about Psyops, but could probably give you more information on HUMINT. There are also excellent resources available online if you Google either 35M, Human Intelligence Collection, or Psychological Operations.

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Mar 26 at 2018 1:21 PM

2018-03-26T13:21:38-04:00

As a PsyOp specialist I agree with SFC Gammage. We analyze the people as groups, we analyze the enemy propaganda, whether or not it works and why and then take what we learn to influence that population. Sort of like CNN but we tell the truth far more often

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2018 10:55 AM

2018-04-05T10:55:00-04:00

As PSYOP, we do not collect intelligence. We gather information while conducting Military Information Support Operations (MISO). That being said, if you feel the information you gather may be of intelligence value, you may share the information with your S-2/J-2/G-2, in which they may turn into actionable intelligence. As a PSYOP'er, your goal is to influence target audiences to change behavior, through various persuasion techniques and messaging platforms, and engage in a desired behavior in favor of US interests and objectives. My opinion may be biased, but I would certainly recommend coming to PSYOP because of the opportunity to network with various different agencies, including those within the intelligence community.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 5 at 2018 11:41 AM

2018-04-05T11:41:37-04:00

OK- Humit collects human intel, training, morale, motivation, condition, etc. PSYOPS- trys to put us in a good light and plays on the OPFOR in a bad light.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2018 12:19 AM

2018-04-27T00:19:41-04:00

HUMINT is much more personal handling of detainees, interrogations, developing informant networks to keep finding the bad guys so we can keep killing them.

Response by SSG John Garner made May 14 at 2018 1:24 PM

2018-05-14T13:24:31-04:00

The difference? One group attempts the shape the hearts and minds.
The other attempts to RIP the heart out and promise to give it back if the detainee provides what is in their mind.
The jobs are distinct and separate.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2018 10:17 PM

2018-06-30T22:17:32-04:00

The two MOS are vastly different, one is designed to be used to influence and persuade a target audience through various forms of messaging(PSYOP), meaning specific groups of people. The other is more specific and is an enabler for entities like CA and PSYOP. Often more times than not people confuse us PSYOPERS as intel guys but we do collect information through research and whatever means available but we do not collect actionable intelligence.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2018 9:37 PM

2018-08-03T21:37:10-04:00

35Ms actively collect. We passively collect whether people want to admit it or not. Can/does PSYOP play a role in HUMINT? Absolutely. But there’s a whole authorities and permissions piece. Also, 35Ms can “run approaches” where as we legally cannot. I can TQ all day and gather all the information I want and need, then pass them off to the gators.