NEPAL REQUEST FOR MILITARY INFORMATION SUPPORT

S E C R E T KATHMANDU 001201

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR PM/CPP AND SA/INS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/17/2012
TAGS: MARR MOPS NP
SUBJECT: NEPAL REQUEST FOR MILITARY INFORMATION SUPPORT
TEAM

REF: STATE 22974

Classified By: MAJ PETE FOWLER, ODC. REASONS 1.5 (B,D)


1. (C) Embassy Kathmandu requests Military
Information Support Team (MIST) to assist the RNA in
planning information strategies, developing PSYOP
campaigns and programs. Embassy Kathmandu sees a three
to four man element training the Royal Nepalese Army
for up to four months.


2. (S/REL NP) The Government of Nepal (GON) has been
combating a serious Maoist insurgency for the last six
years. Recently, the level of violence has increased
to the point that the Royal Nepalese Army has been
deployed nation-wide. As of 26 NOV 01 the GON has
declared a state of emergency in response to the
growing Maoist problem. Counter-insurgency (COIN)
operations are new territory for the RNA. Recently, in
APR 02, PACOM conducted an assessment of the RNA to
include their PSYOP capability. The RNA organized a
PSYOP section for the first time just six months ago
and is conducting a limited PSYOP campaign focusing on
counter-propaganda. However, the PSYOP section requires
training assistance in the following areas: development
of an information strategy, identifying target
audiences and their vulnerabilities, media distribution
methods, and campaign effectiveness assessment.


3. (S/NOFORN) Specific objectives:
a. Assist and advise the RNA in developing a national
information strategy;
b. Assist the RNA in PSYOP theme development, target
audience analysis, and media distribution;
c. Expand awareness of human rights;
d. Enhance awareness of the military's responsibility
to serve civil society;
e. Support the necessity of free and fair elections
in a democratic society;
f. Expand awareness of government development
projects; and
g. Expand awareness of Maoist human rights atrocities
and infrastructure destruction


4. (U) This is a unique opportunity for Special
Operation Forces soldiers to build from scratch a PSYOP
capability for a nation which desperately needs
information warfare skills. The RNA is a professional
force that is doing a lot with very little, but so is
their foe. The MIST's efforts would be greatly
appreciated by the GON, RNA, people of Nepal, and the
country team.

MALINOWSKI