Hidden History Center

2nd Edition Release: Ides of March 2026
ratical.org/USO
“Special Operations” is an Orwellian term for military services providing support to the clandestine activities of the U.S. government and is a euphemism for overthrowing governments, sabotage, torture, demolition, espionage, murder, contrived wars and assassination.

Fletcher Prouty’s first-hand account of his involvement with elements of the U.S. government’s subterranean world that took shape in the decades following World War II illuminates our living, albeit hidden, history. This knowledge and history belongs to all of us. Some of the understanding gleaned since the 1999 First Edition is detailed in Notes (196 pages).

Since the world of official narratives runs on cover stories (lies), the business of managing perceptions is big business. Because the 24/7/365 control and influence of perceptions hides in plain sight, it is possible to see beyond the mirrors and screens by training the mind to see through the multi-layered double-binds, catch 22s, and contronymal cages used to stymie lucid thinking. A purpose of this book is to provoke questions and encourage curiosity so that the reader will have the information to sharpen their mental acuities.

Prouty’s recounting of his experiences and the insights he gained regarding how U.S. policy-making was shaped during the period of 1941 to 1964 are uncommonly useful for today’s scholars and students of that time. From such a source, Understanding Special Operations provides a unique addition to details surrounding the history of the birth and growth of the U.S. National Security State.