PSYOP Paper That Talks!

Defense One ran article in June 2018 about a new procurement by USSOCOM. According to the http://bit.ly/2NQdvkb)) which described a high tech ‘paper’ that played a 30 second message.

article (which you can see at:

The prototype demonstrated at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (www.sofic.org) had a writable area between 4 and 6 square inches. SOCOM is looking for suppliers who can provide paper that can “be printable “in the field [to be] deployed or scattered across designated areas to broadcast information as well as provide feedback to assist in MISO planning and analysis.” The technology behind the talking paper is impressive and you can learn more at: http://bit.ly/2LevJd4

Way back in December 2014 none other than the New Yorker magazine thought: “Graphene may be the most remarkable substance ever discovered. But what’s it for? (see: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/12/22/material-question, which is also a photo source) If you are thinking of investing in graphene stocks, check out this May 2017 article: https://www.nanalyze.com/2017/05/graphene-stocks-update/, which of course may be out of date and is another photo source.

While advancing the technology behind the trusty leaflet should be applauded, I wonder just how useful this technology would be. In a previous posting I believe I mentioned the notion of using the same technology as today’s greeting cards – a cheaper, COTS alternative which would appear to accomplish the same objective – that is delivering sound to those who can presumably not read.

For the sake of argument, let’s assume the technology works and that you can create a 30 second message on a paper that’s the thickness of 4 pages – so what!

1.     How much effort is required?

2.     Will the ‘field’ really be able to make use of the technology as easily as the classic Rizzo leaflet?

3.     Will it work?

a.     Will the target actually listen to it?

b.     Will it be credible?

c.      Can a one shot deal have any impact at all?

4.     How much will it cost?

5.     Would the money be better spent elsewhere – say on harnessing COTS or Printerest like social media?

I’ll leave the answers to your summer thinking. Have fun at the beach.

If you are going to the POVA Reunion next week in Cleveland – introduce yourself!

If you’re not and your PSYOP professional, you’re missing quite the opportunity.

Check out: http://www.usapova.com/upcoming-events/