PSYOPer

In PSYOP doctrine, the framing of strategic choices is everything. The current decision matrix confronting Israeli defense strategists and allied planners centers on a vital question: should resources continue to support military attrition against insurgent networks, or is it time to operationalize a layered stability strategy that rewires civilian behavior and undermines insurgent legitimacy?

Insurgency, in the psychological domain, is less of a static enemy and more of a system—fluid, self-perpetuating, and culturally adaptable.

Game Theory provides a structured way to analyze how state and non-state actors make decisions, especially in conflict zones where distrust is high. By modeling strategic interactions, it helps explain and predict behavior in situations where parties must consider each other’s choices and incentives.

In today’s complex operational environment, messaging isn’t just about informing—it’s about influencing behavior. Military Information Support Operations (MISO), formerly known as PSYOP, are designed to do just that. Central to their effectiveness are five core tasks: advise, plan, develop, deliver, and assess. These tasks structure the influence process, guiding foreign target audiences (TAs) from awareness to action in ways that support U.S. military and interagency objectives.