What's In a Word Like “Information” or “Satan”?

“We call our stuff information and the enemy's propaganda.” “We have no requirements to adhere to journalistic principles of objectivity. We tell the U.S. side of the story to approved targeted audiences.”

Col. Jack N. Summe, fmr. comdr., Fourth Psychological Operations Group, June 2005.

…“We don't want somebody to look at the product and see the U.S. government and tune out.”

Col. James Treadwell, psy. ops, Special Operations Command, Tampa. Fl.

…“Psychological operations are an essential part of warfare, more so in the electronic age than ever. If you're going to invade a country and eject its government and occupy its territory, you ought to tell people who live there why you've done it. That requires a well-thought-out communications program.”

Lt. Col. Charles A. Krohn, fmr. Army spokesman.

Jeff Gerth, “Military’s Information War Is Vast and Often Secretive,” New York Times, 12/11/05.

Consider the implications of being unable to find sufficient volunteers, as seen by our adversaries. Has the United States lost its will to survive? What's happened to the Great Satan when so few are willing to fight to defend the country? Surely bin Laden et al are making this argument, telling supporters victory is just around the corner if they are a bit more patient. And if they're successful, the energy sources in the Mideast may be within their grasp.

Lt. Col. Charles A. Krohn, email.

Robert Novak, “The focus at the Defense Department has been on desperate recruiters,” Chicago Sun-Times, 5/26/05; “America’s Recruiting Dilemma,” CNN, 5/26/05.