ATP 3-53 The Psychological Operations Branch and Unit Activities - Apr. 2026

ATP 3-53, The Psychological Operations Branch and Unit Activities, replaces FM 3-53, Military Information Support Operations, as the authoritative reference for the United States (U.S.) Army Psychological Operations (PO) Branch to influence foreign audiences across the range of military operations. The principles in this revision are linked to higher-level Army and joint doctrine and provide the basis for subordinate Army techniques publications and technical manuals to discuss detailed tactics, techniques, processes, and procedures. ATP 3-53 rescinds GTA 33-01-004 and GTA 33-01-006.The principal audiences for ATP 3-53 are PO Branch personnel, Psychological Operations-qualified planners, Psychological Operations units, and supported commanders and their staffs, regardless of the Service. This publication informs leaders of other government departments and agencies, U.S. ambassadors, and country team members. In addition, operational Psychological Operations units and the institutional force responsible for fundamental and advanced training and education of Army, sister Service, and joint force-assigned personnel; foreign partners; and other government department personnel can use this publication as their foundational publication for influence. Subordinate Psychological Operations proponent doctrine and training publications expand on the content in this publication and provide the additional requisite tactics, techniques, procedures, and processes to develop individual and unit training and education.ATP 3-53 applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard or Army National Guard of the United States and the United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated. The proponent of ATP 3-53 is the U.S. Army Special Operations Center of Excellence, United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS). The preparing agency is the Psychological Operations Doctrine Division. Read more