How interrogation techniques are used on recruits and no one knew it

Tim Kirkpatrick
Jan 28, 2019 6:40 PM PST
1 minute read
How interrogation techniques are used on recruits and no one knew it

SUMMARY

For countless years, various interrogation techniques have been used to locate the bad guys, gain confessions and convict criminals. In 1996, the CIA and Army intelligence officers were forced to release a collection of writings called “

For countless years, various interrogation techniques have been used to locate the bad guys, gain confessions and convict criminals. In 1996, the CIA and Army intelligence officers were forced to release a collection of writings called "Kubark" after a Freedom of Information Act request.


This former secret document reveals practices used against the nation's enemies to admit wrong doings and learn information to prevent future attacks.

Related: President ponders review of suspected terrorist interrogations and black sites

Section nine (shown below) describes the stages of coercive techniques used to extract vital information from sources. Once you look closely, you may realize you've experienced one or more of these techniques up close and personal during your stay in boot camp.

The levels of Kubark from the original document published in 1963. (Source: NSA Archive / Screenshot)

Here's how 8 out of 12 forms of counterintelligence interrogation techniques are used on recruits in basic training.

1. Arrest

In this case, arrest doesn't mean being handcuffed and hauled off to jail, we're talking about using the element of surprise to achieve the maximum amount of mental discomfort. Picture a few drill sergeants barreling into a squad bay screaming and yelling waking up their recruits at moments notice — it's the same principle.

2. Detention

According to the NSA archive, the continuity of a man's surroundings, appearance, daily habits, and actions define his identity. In boot camp, the recruit has no control over any of these aspects in his new military life.

3. Deprivation of Sensory Stimuli

Basic training is known for breaking down recruits before they're built back up. So recruits are banned from anything positive at least until graduation.

4. Threats and Fears

When a DI tells you that nothing you can do is right and you're a complete failure, it takes a toll on the mind. Even worse, if you fail you're going to have to repeat the tough evolution if you don't get a move on.

5. Debility

Living in close counters with up to 80 other people means getting sick is almost guaranteed. Getting a head cold and forced to hard days work can break anyone's spirit. The interrogation doesn't stop for a detainee if they have a little fever.

6. Pain

Everyone's threshold to tolerate pain is different. As many would collapse and quit, others use it as motivation to push forward and fight. Boot camp is all about mental and physical toughness and so is surviving a harsh interrogation.

7. Heighten Suggestibility and Hypnosis

This state of consciousness means getting someone to accept suggestion without them thinking about it and taking action. In military terms, it's building up muscle memory.

8. Narcosis

Today it's mainly known as sleep deprivation. Everyone needs rest or they can make vital mistakes. Boot camp is widely known for keeping military hopefuls up for multiple hours conducting various tasks to see how they respond to the stress.

Also Read: This Navy SEAL's intense boot camp prepares actors for movie combat

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