Accession Number:

ADA086801

Title:

Psychological and Unconventional Warfare, 1941-1952: Origins of a Special Warfare Capability for the United States Army

Descriptive Note:

Study project rept.

Corporate Author:

ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA

Personal Author(s):

• Paddock, Alfred H., Jr

Report Date:

1979-11-01

Pagination or Media Count:

291.0

Abstract:

This study examines the United States Armys activities in psychological and unconventional warfare during and after World War II to determine the impetus for, and origins of, the formal special warfare capability created in 1952 with the establishment of the Psychological Warfare Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the impetus of the Korean War, heightening cold war tensions, and the persistent pressures of Secretary of the Army Frank Pace, Jr., the Army created an unprecedented staff organization in early 1951 the Office of the Chief of Psychological Warfare OCPW. Under Brigadier General Robert A. McClure, the OCPW guided the build-up of psychological warfare and formulated plans for the creation of an organization unique in the Armys history the 10th Special Forces Group. Designed to organize, train, and support indigenous personnel in behind-the-lines resistance activities to retard a Soviet invasion in Europe, the Groups true historical forerunner--contrary to the official lineage of Special Forces--was the Office of Strategic Services, not the Rangers or the 1st Special Service Force. To provide the necessary training, materiel, and doctrinal support for both conventional and psychological warfare, McClure convinced the Army to establish the Psychological Warfare Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Descriptors:

• *PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE
• *UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE
• MILITARY FORCES(UNITED STATES)
• MILITARY FACILITIES
• ARMY TRAINING
• MILITARY DOCTRINE
• HISTORY
• CENTRALIZED
• KOREA
• ARMY OPERATIONS
• NORTH CAROLINA

Subject Categories:

• Unconventional Warfare

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE