This image from video released by the U.S. Army, shows a frame from a haunting new video, released on May 2, 2024, in the latest effort by the Army to lure soldiers to some of its more secretive units. Hints of its origin are tucked into the frames as they flash by touting the power of words, ideas and “invisible hands.” Army Special Operations Command hopes that those drawn to the video may be interested in joining as one of its psychological warfare soldiers. (U.S. Army via AP)© Provided by The Associated Press

In the small town of Fort Liberty, North Carolina, an unsettling video has emerged, featuring eerie imagery of faceless figures, flames, and soldiers. Accompanied by a voiceover of historical voices, it pulsates with cryptic messages extolling the power of words, ideas, and “invisible hands.”

Hidden within the frames are clues to its origin: PSYWAR. The Army’s Psychological Warfare unit employs this unique form of mental combat to attract recruits. If you’re intrigued by the video, you might be the precise demographic the Army is targeting as it seeks to enlist soldiers into its Special Operations Command.

Released in the early hours of Thursday morning, this video, titled “Ghost in the Machine 2,” is the second in a series of provocative recruitment ads. It serves as a testament to the Psyop soldiers’ ability to influence public opinion and engage in verbal warfare abroad. The previous installment, quietly uploaded to the unit’s YouTube channel two years ago, sparked a flurry of online discussion.