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