MindWar: The Psychology of Victory

With Cathy O'Brien Notes

Thanks to my readers' generosity, all my articles are free to access. Independent journalism, however, requires time and investment. If you found value in this article or any others, please consider sharing or even becoming a paid subscriber, who benefits by joining the conversation in the comments. I want you to know that your support is always gratefully received and will never be forgotten. Please buy me a coffee or as many as you wish.

---

GPT-Summary

Introduction

🤔 What is MindWar?

MindWar: The Psychology of Victory, authored by Michael A. Aquino, Ph.D. and Paul E. Vallely, introduces a groundbreaking approach to warfare that redefines how sociopolitical conflicts are addressed. MindWar is centered on influencing the minds of adversaries and participants, conditioning their thoughts and emotions to stabilize conflict without resorting to physical violence. This method uses psychological techniques to manipulate perceptions, which can preemptively resolve problems that might otherwise escalate into full-scale warfare. MindWar is designed to replace traditional warfare (PhysWar), which has historically relied on physical confrontation, destruction, and loss of life.

The book argues that modern warfare has become obsolete in light of advancements in understanding human psychology and technology. MindWar capitalizes on this knowledge, suggesting that warfare should target the mind and emotions rather than the body. By conditioning individuals and groups psychologically, conflicts can be diffused, and peace can be achieved without the collateral damage associated with traditional military action.

---

Notes on Michael Aquino from Cathy O’Brien’s Trance Formation of America

In Trance Formation of America by Cathy O’Brien, Michael A. Aquino, a U.S. Army Lt. Colonel, is portrayed as a prominent figure in psychological warfare and mind-control operations, specifically through Project Monarch. Aquino, described as having high-level access to military and intelligence operations, is said to leverage his position in the Defense Intelligence Agency’s Psychological Warfare Division. O’Brien claims that Aquino employed a blend of occultism and advanced technology to instill deep-rooted psychological trauma and compliance among the subjects under his control. Below are details regarding Aquino’s methods and impact as described in the book:

1. Role in Mind Control and Psychological Warfare: Aquino is depicted as a key figure in the establishment of trauma-based mind control. According to O’Brien, he held “TOP SECRET clearance” and allegedly founded the Temple of Set, which was described as a Himmler-inspired satanic organization. This occult affiliation served a dual purpose of psychological manipulation and leveraging superstitions as a form of control​.

2. Mind Control Demonstrations: Aquino’s methods included staging dramatic “Hands-On Mind-Control Demonstrations” on military bases and at various governmental installations, sometimes with the involvement or direction of Ronald Reagan and Dick Cheney. These demonstrations were intended to display mind-control advancements through sex programming, employing trauma to ensure compliance​​.

3. Techniques of Trauma and Programming: The programming methods attributed to Aquino involved a mix of high-voltage shocks, hypnotic suggestion, and sensory deprivation. His role also involved overseeing physical mutilations and psychologically manipulative rituals designed to fracture and control a subject’s psyche. For instance, Aquino reportedly utilized devices like stun guns, high-voltage cattle prods, and virtual reality tools to reinforce the dissociative states essential for creating multiple personalities​​.

4. Occultism and Psychological Impact: Aquino’s use of occult symbols and themes was described as part of his psychological manipulation. In interactions with individuals such as Manuel Noriega, Aquino leveraged his appearance in black ritual attire to reinforce fears and control based on Noriega’s beliefs in demonic possession. This theatrical display, including symbols like the Baphomet, was intended to heighten the psychological impact on his audience​​.

5. NASA and Advanced Programming Techniques: O’Brien recounts that Aquino frequently utilized NASA facilities and technologies in Huntsville, Alabama, including sensory deprivation tanks, virtual reality simulations, and harmonics to induce dissociative states in subjects, including her daughter Kelly. Aquino’s application of these technologies purportedly shattered the minds of young subjects, allowing for the implantation of complex, layered programming​​.

6. Collaboration with High-Ranking Officials: The book suggests that Aquino was instrumental in shaping mind-control policies and procedures in collaboration with high-ranking officials, including Senator Robert Byrd and President Reagan. This collaboration involved planning demonstrations for military personnel and foreign diplomats, supposedly for both intimidation and recruitment purposes. Such displays were allegedly intended to solidify control over those within the governmental and military ranks​​.

7. Association with Project Monarch and Ritualistic Abuse: Project Monarch, as depicted in the book, is a purported CIA program involving ritual abuse to fracture the psyche of its subjects. Aquino’s alleged programming of O’Brien and others under Project Monarch involved not only psychological torture but also rituals said to be reminiscent of satanic rites. This programming aimed to create obedient “Presidential Model” slaves trained for various covert roles​​.

8. Methods of Indoctrination and Control: A specific instance involved Cheney reportedly instructing O’Brien to follow Aquino’s orders strictly, illustrating a hierarchical command structure that involved other government officials. Aquino’s methods reportedly reinforced programming through fear, often suggesting to O’Brien that her life depended on her obedience, an example of extreme psychological manipulation​​.

9. Use of Trauma to Cultivate Compliance: Aquino’s psychological warfare techniques reportedly involved inducing near-death experiences and placing subjects in coffin-like structures, where they would be hypnotized to feel as though they were “passing through death’s door.” This kind of trauma served to deepen compliance and reinforce the mind control programming​​.

10. Influence in Other Government Sectors: According to O’Brien, Aquino’s influence extended into the Pentagon and even the White House, where his role included programming and demonstrating mind control techniques for Reagan and other officials. These demonstrations reinforced the psychological compliance of various government employees, military personnel, and foreign dignitaries​​.

The book portrays Michael A. Aquino as a powerful and deeply involved figure in alleged government-sanctioned mind control experiments, utilizing both psychological and physical trauma methods. His role, as O’Brien describes, had significant implications for the shaping of these controversial programs within the framework of Project Monarch and government psychological warfare efforts.

---

MindWar: Summary

🎯 The Goal of MindWar

The primary objective of MindWar is to achieve the áristos, which represents the ideal resolution of a conflict. This áristos is not merely a temporary ceasefire or armistice but a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict. MindWar strives to replace hostility and violence with a moral community, a cooperative environment in which former adversaries can coexist peacefully.

This concept of a moral community is grounded in the ancient Greek principle of kalokagathia, which denotes the integration of moral and physical excellence. By fostering this moral community, MindWar ensures that the resolution to the conflict is not just about neutralizing threats but about building a sustainable, ethical foundation for future relations. The process of creating the áristos involves reshaping perceptions and beliefs, guiding participants toward rational, peaceful cooperation.

MindWar Author Paul Vallely with General Michael Flynn

🛠️ Phases of MindWar

The MindWar campaign follows a structured sequence of phases designed to ensure the optimal outcome for any sociopolitical problem:

1. Diagnosing the Problem: The first phase requires a deep understanding of the conflict’s underlying causes. This goes beyond superficial triggers to explore the psychological and sociopolitical foundations of the issue. The goal is to identify the cognitive dissonances and perceptual biases fueling the conflict.

2. Reverse-Engineering the Solution: In this phase, the ideal resolution (the áristos) is envisioned. Once the desired outcome is clear, the path to achieving it is mapped out by working backward from the future to the present. This ensures that every action taken is aligned with the final goal.

3. Implementation of MindWar: With the roadmap established, the MindWar campaign begins. Psychological tactics are employed to influence the thoughts, emotions, and perceptions of all involved parties. Feedback loops are established to monitor progress and ensure the campaign remains on track. Adjustments are made in real-time to correct any deviations from the intended outcome.

4. Declaration of Victory: Once the desired outcome is achieved, the conflict is declared resolved. Unlike in traditional war, where physical battles conclude with a treaty, MindWar ends with a psychological and social transformation. The infrastructure of the MindWar campaign is dismantled, leaving behind a stable, moral community.

🚫 Not “Mind Control”

While some might mistakenly associate MindWar with mind control, Aquino draws a clear distinction. MindWar does not seek to enslave or dominate the minds of individuals. Instead, it aims to influence thoughts in a way that promotes rational and cooperative problem-solving. By addressing prejudices, misunderstandings, and emotional triggers, MindWar fosters an environment in which all parties are encouraged to resolve conflicts through intelligent dialogue rather than violence.

MindWar’s focus is on non-invasive methods that respect human autonomy. The conditioning is subtle, often working through the manipulation of sensory inputs (such as media, environment, and cultural symbols) to reshape perceptions without overt coercion. This process differs dramatically from forms of psychological manipulation used in oppressive regimes or propaganda-heavy governments.

📜 The Three Laws of MindWar

MindWar is built on three foundational laws that govern its ethical and operational framework:

1. No Harm to Life: MindWar must be conducted without causing physical injury, death, or destruction. This sets it apart from traditional warfare, which often measures success by the level of devastation inflicted on the enemy. In MindWar, the goal is to resolve conflict without any form of physical harm.

2. Stimulating Cooperation: The second law mandates that MindWar must encourage intelligent cooperation and problem-solving among all parties. The essence of MindWar is in transforming adversarial relationships into cooperative ones through psychological conditioning.

3. Avoidance of Failure: The third law emphasizes that MindWar cannot afford to fail. If it does, the conflict will revert to traditional warfare, with all its attendant chaos and destruction. Therefore, MindWar must be meticulously planned and executed to ensure its success.

🌍 Critique of U.S. Military Policy

Aquino critiques the United States’ role as a global enforcer, noting that traditional military strategies have failed to address the complexities of modern conflict. The U.S. military-industrial complex, a term popularized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, continues to promote physical warfare as a means to solve global problems, despite the high economic and human costs. (Page 30)

Vietnam and Iraq are cited as key examples where the reliance on physical force led to prolonged conflicts with devastating consequences. MindWar offers a superior alternative by addressing the psychological roots of conflict rather than responding with force. By transitioning to MindWar, the U.S. could maintain its global influence without the destruction and loss of life that characterize traditional military engagements. (Pages 21-31)

💡 Evolution from PSYOP to MindWar

MindWar is a direct evolution from Psychological Operations (PSYOP), the branch of the U.S. military dedicated to influencing the emotions, motives, and reasoning of adversaries. However, PSYOP is often viewed as a reactionary tool, deployed alongside physical warfare to complement military campaigns. In contrast, MindWar seeks to place psychological operations at the forefront of conflict resolution, proactively preventing violence. (Page 27)

PSYOP’s limitations stem from its inability to fully integrate psychological influence into the heart of military strategy. MindWar addresses these shortcomings by making psychological conditioning the primary method of conflict resolution. Aquino argues that by prioritizing psychological tactics over physical force, the U.S. military can achieve faster, more ethical outcomes in global conflicts. (Page 28)

⚖️ Ethical Considerations in MindWar

MindWar requires strict adherence to ethical standards. Aquino emphasizes that truth and ethics must guide every step of a MindWar campaign. Unlike traditional forms of manipulation, where lies and deception are often used to gain an advantage, MindWar relies on the unvarnished truth to influence perceptions. This commitment to truth ensures that the psychological conditioning used in MindWar builds a lasting peace rather than a temporary façade. (Page 31)

Failure to uphold these ethical standards could result in catastrophic consequences. If a MindWar campaign is revealed to be based on deception, it risks undermining the moral foundation of the new community it seeks to create. This could lead to a collapse of trust and a return to violent conflict. Thus, ethical integrity is not just a guideline but a central pillar of the MindWar strategy. (Page 33)

FAQ

Q: What is MindWar? - MindWar is the psychological and psychophysiological conditioning of all participants in a sociopolitical problem to first cooperatively stabilize it without recourse to violence and then eliminate its basis by the creation of a moral community that supersedes it. (Page 32)

Q: How does MindWar differ from traditional warfare? - MindWar differs from traditional warfare by aiming to achieve conflict resolution without causing injury, death, or destruction. It uses psychological means to influence and adjust human thought, leading to cooperative problem-solving rather than physical combat. (Page 34)

Q: What are the key phases of a MindWar campaign? - The key phases of a MindWar campaign include:

1. Defining the problem and creating the “áristos,” an ideal solution.

2. Reverse-engineering the áristos from the future back to the present.

3. Conducting the MindWar campaign to achieve the áristos.

4. Declaring victory and dismantling the MindWar campaign infrastructure. (Pages 44-53)

Q: Is MindWar a form of “mind control”? - No, MindWar is not mind control. It does not aim to control individuals’ minds or dictate their thoughts. Instead, it encourages cooperative problem-solving by transforming prejudices and antagonisms into intelligent, amicable cooperation. (Page 36)

Q: What are the three laws of MindWar? - The three laws of MindWar are:

1. MindWar is the conduct of war without causing injury, death, or destruction.

2. It accesses the human mind to stimulate cooperation and problem-solving.

3. Failure of MindWar leads to physical war (PhysWar), which must be avoided. (Page 38)

Q: What is the role of psychological and psychophysiological conditioning in MindWar?
Psychological and psychophysiological conditioning in MindWar modifies thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors by altering sensory inputs. It ensures that participants act cooperatively rather than antagonistically, avoiding violence and promoting resolution. (Page 33)

People

Colonel Paul Vallely – As Commander of the 7th PSYOP Group, Colonel Vallely asked Major Michael Aquino to draft a paper that led to the concept of MindWar in 1980. Vallely was instrumental in the development of MindWar and collaborated closely with Aquino to promote fresh ideas about Psychological Operations (PSYOP). (Page 27)

Major Richard Sutter – Along with Michael Aquino, Major Sutter coined the term “MindWar” in 1977. Their collaboration on this concept was partly inspired by the movie Star Wars, and they used this science-fiction theme to reimagine the bland term “Psychological Operations.” (Page 28)

President Dwight D. Eisenhower – Eisenhower is quoted for his warning about the influence of the “military-industrial complex,” which plays a central role in explaining why MindWar faces resistance from war profiteers and why traditional warfare persists. (Page 30)

President John F. Kennedy – Kennedy’s efforts to withdraw U.S. forces from Vietnam are referenced in the book. His assassination shortly after initiating this withdrawal is presented as an example of how modern warfare is economically driven. (Page 30)

General Wesley K. Clark – Among the many dedications in the book, General Clark is one of the military figures recognized for his influence on contemporary military thought and operations. (Page 5)

General George S. Patton, Jr. – Recognized for his military leadership, Patton is also one of the key figures dedicated in the book, symbolizing a connection to historical military strategies. (Page 5)

Dr. Gregory S. Seese – Seese, who provided the foreword for the book, is a Major in Psychological Operations and a licensed psychologist. He played a key role in critiquing and shaping the manuscript of MindWar. (Page 16)

Isaac Asimov – Quoted for his definition of “psychohistory” from Foundation, Asimov’s concept is integral to understanding the statistical and mathematical approach that underpins MindWar’s psychological conditioning strategies. (Page 27)

Organizations

The United States Army – The United States Army serves as the primary institution responsible for executing the proposed transformation from traditional physical warfare (PhysWar) to MindWar. Aquino outlines how the Army, especially its Special Operations Forces, will serve as the “laboratory” for developing and implementing MindWar. (Page 22)

Psychological Operations (PSYOP) – PSYOP is a branch within the U.S. military dedicated to psychological warfare. The concept of MindWar evolved directly from PSYOP doctrine, which was regarded as insufficient in its reactionary role. MindWar proposes a proactive, holistic approach to psychological operations, moving beyond traditional PSYOP’s limitations. (Page 27)

The Department of Defense (DOD) – The DOD is described as the institution overseeing the traditional conduct of physical war and projecting U.S. military power globally. The book discusses how the DOD has shifted from its original mission of defending the U.S. to becoming a global enforcer of U.S. interests. (Page 21)

The U.S. Military-Industrial Complex – This term, popularized by President Eisenhower, is used to describe the entanglement between the military and defense contractors. According to Aquino, the military-industrial complex is one of the main obstacles to the adoption of MindWar, as it profits from traditional warfare and opposes change. (Page 30)

Homeland Security – The creation of the Department of Homeland Security is cited as a response to the DOD’s shift away from its original role of defending U.S. territory. Homeland Security now handles domestic defense, while the DOD projects U.S. military power abroad. (Page 21)

The United Nations (UN) – The UN is mentioned in the context of its Charter, which, despite its aim to prevent war, has not been effective in stopping modern physical wars. The failure of such international bodies to control warfare leads to the need for a new approach like MindWar. (Page 40)

NATO – The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is referenced as an international organization that influences global military operations. Like the UN, its role in global conflicts is discussed in the context of how MindWar could replace traditional military interventions. (Page 49)

Locations

Vietnam – Vietnam is referred to as a major focal point of U.S. military failure in psychological operations. The aftermath of the Vietnam War heavily influenced the evolution of Psychological Operations (PSYOP) and ultimately the concept of MindWar. Lessons from Vietnam shaped the military’s understanding of the limits of traditional warfare. (Page 27)

The United States – The U.S. is positioned as the world’s de facto policeman, projecting its military and political power globally. The book discusses how the U.S. has become the supreme warfare state, with the Department of Defense extending its influence beyond the country’s borders. (Page 21)

South Vietnam – South Vietnam is specifically mentioned in relation to President John F. Kennedy’s intent to withdraw U.S. forces, which was halted after his assassination. This event is used to demonstrate the persistence of traditional warfare even in the face of efforts to reduce military involvement. (Page 30)

Iraq – Iraq serves as an example of how elements of MindWar have already been applied in modern conflicts. During the 2003 invasion, psychological operations were used to influence both U.S. and Iraqi perceptions, creating an atmosphere of inevitable U.S. victory. (Page 31)

The Gulf – The Gulf region, including the First Gulf War, is another key location where psychological operations were employed. These operations were seen as successful in accelerating military outcomes, though they failed in upholding the ethical standards required for lasting peace. (Page 31)

Timeline

1977 – Coining of “MindWar”
Michael Aquino and Major Richard Sutter coined the term “MindWar” in 1977, drawing inspiration from the movie Star Wars and envisioning a futuristic replacement for the traditional term “Psychological Operations.” (Page 28)

1980 – The Birth of the MindWar Concept
In 1980, Colonel Paul Vallely, Commander of the 7th PSYOP Group, requested that Major Aquino draft a paper to encourage future-oriented thinking in Psychological Operations. This led to the initial development of the concept of MindWar, first articulated in a paper titled From PSYOP to MindWar: The Psychology of Victory. (Page 27)

1961 – President Eisenhower’s Farewell Address
President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered his Farewell Address on January 17, 1961, warning about the growing influence of the military-industrial complex. This speech is frequently cited as a precursor to the resistance MindWar would face from those benefiting from traditional warfare. (Page 30)

1963 – John F. Kennedy’s National Security Action Memorandum
In October 1963, President John F. Kennedy issued National Security Action Memorandum #263, ordering the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Vietnam. His assassination in November 1963 reversed this policy, with the subsequent escalation of the Vietnam War under Lyndon B. Johnson. (Page 30)

2003 – MindWar Elements in the Iraq Invasion
During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, psychological operations were heavily used, demonstrating aspects of MindWar. PSYOP techniques were applied to influence both U.S. and Iraqi perceptions, accelerating the military outcome, though failing to adhere to MindWar’s ethical principles. (Page 31)

Bibliography

The Marquis de Sade by Donald Thomas – This work is referenced to illustrate the Marquis de Sade’s philosophy on human self-destruction, contrasting his nihilistic view with the hopeful vision of MindWar. (Page 24)

The Serpent and the Rainbow by Wade E. Davis – This book is cited in reference to actual zombification practices in Haitian Voodoo, contrasting it with misconceptions about MindWar’s psychological methods. (Page 38)

Theories of International Politics and Zombies by Daniel W. Drezner – This book is referenced to discuss zombification and the relation to MindWar’s psychological methods, highlighting that MindWar is non-invasive and entirely different from the concept of “zombification.” (Page 38)

The Wanderer and His Shadow by Friedrich Nietzsche – Nietzsche’s philosophy is invoked, particularly his thoughts on war as a means of avoiding the degradation of society into the “last man.” (Page 20)

Foundation by Isaac Asimov – Asimov’s concept of psychohistory, introduced in his Foundation series, plays a central role in shaping the statistical and psychological techniques underlying MindWar. (Page 27)

The Magus by John Fowles – The character Maurice Conchis from The Magus is quoted to highlight the emotional and psychological drivers of war and how MindWar seeks to transform these impulses. (Page 42)

Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne – The epigraph of MindWar ends with a quote from Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, symbolizing the intellectual and philosophical journey involved in transitioning from traditional warfare to MindWar. (Page 24)

The Third Man by Harry Lime – This famous quote from the movie The Third Man is referenced in relation to the dark side of warfare and its unintended consequences. (Page 20)

FireForce: A Star Wars Parody by Michael Aquino – This parody, published in 2016, illustrates the origins of the MindWar concept in a satirical manner. Aquino uses this work to highlight the early development of MindWar and its influences. (Page 28)

Glossary

MindWar – MindWar is the psychological and psychophysiological conditioning of all participants in a sociopolitical problem. Its goal is to stabilize the issue without violence and eventually eliminate its basis by creating a moral community. (Page 32)

PhysWar – PhysWar, or physical war, refers to traditional warfare, characterized by physical violence, injury, death, and destruction. It is the form of warfare that MindWar seeks to replace by addressing the root causes of conflict through psychological means. (Page 19)

Psychological Operations (PSYOP) – Psychological Operations are military efforts to influence the emotions, motives, objective reasoning, and behavior of groups or individuals. MindWar evolved from PSYOP as a more proactive and holistic approach. (Page 27)

Áristos – The term Áristos refers to the best possible resolution for a sociopolitical problem. In the context of MindWar, it represents the ideal solution that stabilizes the conflict without recourse to violence. (Page 33)

Liminal Methods – Liminal methods in MindWar refer to techniques that influence both voluntary and involuntary psychological processes. These methods are crucial to conditioning participants for cooperation and problem-solving. (Page 85)

MetaForce – MetaForce is a branch within MindWar responsible for achieving the Áristos through psychological and social conditioning. It helps guide participants from the conflict phase to a moral and stable resolution. (Page 135)

ParaPolitics – ParaPolitics involves the creation of a moral community through enlightened governance, emphasizing the principles of kalokagathia, or noble goodness. It is the final phase of the MindWar process, replacing the need for violence with rational, moral order. (Page 50)

Kalokagathia – Kalokagathia is a Greek concept meaning the harmony of the good and the beautiful. In MindWar, it represents the moral and ethical standard by which the new community is created after a conflict is resolved. (Page 34)