15 (UK) Psychological Operations Group (PSYOPS)
15 (UK) Psychological Operations Group is a tri-service or "purple" military unit parented by 1 Military Intelligence Brigade comprising over 150 personnel, approximately 75 from the regular Armed Services and 75 from the Reserves. The Group supports deployed commanders in the provision of psychological operations in the operational and tactical environments.
15 (UK) Psyops Group was established in name immediately after the 1991 Gulf War when the success of US psyops convinced the MoD that the UK needed a similar capability. Initially, it was composed of just one single desk officer, the intention being that it would be augmented by additional personnel when required. As such, the Group was referred to in military terminology as a 'shadow' unit. Subsequently, conspiracists have suggested incorrectly that 'Shadow' was a covert code name for the Group and members of the Group have been targeted in the press.
Since 1991, the Group has grown significantly in size to meet operational requirements and has participated in every major UK military operation since that period. The Group's Honorary Colonel is Lieutenant General Paul Newton CBE, formally Commander of Force Development and Training for the British Army.
In October 2012, the Group was awarded the Firmin Sword of Peace for its "valuable contribution to humanitarian activities by establishing good and friendly relations with the inhabitants of any community at home or overseas". The citation noted that: "A small team from 15 POG has been continuously deployed to Helmand for six years. Working predominantly with the Afghan civilian population, it has sought to inform, reassure, educate and through the promotion of free and unbiased discussion persuade Afghans that their futures are best served not with the Taliban, nor with ISAF, but with themselves and their elected government. The unit runs a network of radio stations employing local Afghan's as DJs, broadcasting music, poetry, debate programmes and even a Helmandi soap opera, as well as producing graphical posters and leaflets to communicate in an area where literacy rates are only around 20%. Recent projects include information campaigns to prevent children picking up spent ordnance they find, disseminating information from farming and veterinary workshops using their radio stations, and promoting debate on political issues of the day".
The Sword was presented to the Group's then Commanding Officer Cdr Steve Tatham RN at a ceremony in London by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards. The award was covered by the BBC which was granted exclusive access to the Group.
Read more about this topic: Defence Intelligence And Security Centre
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