US embassy cable - 02KATHMANDU1201

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, Maoist Insurgency 
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