February 19, 2002: Major US news organizations report that the Department of Defense had set up the Office of Strategic Influence. These reports quote an unnamed official, who is discussing the advantages of and dangers in setting up such an office.
[10]
February 20, 2002: After discussions on the purpose of the Office in the US media, , Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, assures the public in an interview that Defense Department officials will not undermine the credibility of US institutions by lying to the public, and states that the exact mandate of the office is under review.[11]
Douglas Feith
February 26, 2002: Rumsfeld announces the decision by Douglas Feith to close the Office of Strategic Influence.
[12]
November 18, 2002: Rumsfeld states in a press briefing that the Office of Strategic Influence was closed down only in name, that the activities of the office still continue. Rumsfeld:
Office of Public Diplomacy
Office of Special Plans
Perception management
Black ops
and the presence of Ft Bragg's 4th Psyops Gp at CNN and NPR