text: _________________________________________________________________________________FM 2-22.3
  Emotional-Pride and Ego-Down Approach
  8-45. (Interrogation) The emotional-pride and ego-down approach is based on
  attacking the source's ego or self-image. The source, in defending his ego,
  reveals information to justify or rationalize his actions. This information may
  be valuable in answering collection requirements or may give the HUMINT
  collector insight into the viability of other approaches. This approach is
  effective with sources who have displayed weakness or feelings of inferiority.
  A real or imaginary deficiency voiced about the source, loyalty to his
  organization, or any other feature can provide a basis for this technique.
  8-46. The HUMINT collector accuses the source of weakness or implies he is
  unable to do a certain thing. This type of source is also prone to excuses and
  rationalizations, often shifting the blame to others. An example of this
  technique is opening the collection effort with the question, "Why did you
  surrender so easily when you could have escaped by crossing the nearby ford
  in the river?" The source is likely to provide a basis for further questions or
  to reveal significant information if he attempts to explain his surrender in
  order to vindicate himself. He may give an answer such as, "No one could
  cross the ford because it is mined."
  8-47. The objective is for the HUMINT collector to use the source's sense of
  pride by attacking his loyalty, intelligence, abilities, leadership qualities,
  slovenly appearance, or any other perceived weakness. This will usually goad
  the source into becoming defensive, and he will try to convince the HUMINT
  collector he is wrong. In his attempt to redeem his pride and explain his
  actions, the source may provide pertinent information. Possible targets for
  the emotional-pride and ego-down approach are the source's—
  • Loyalty.
  • Technical competence.
  • Leadership abilities.
  • Soldierly qualities.
  • Appearance.
  8-48. There is a risk associated with this approach. If the emotional-pride
  and ego-down approach fails, it is difficult for the HUMINT collector to
  recover and move to another approach without losing his credibility. Also,
  there is potential for application of the pride and ego approach to cross the
  line into humiliating and degrading treatment of the detainee. Supervisors
  should consider the experience level of their subordinates and determine
  specifically how the interrogator intends to apply the approach technique
  before approving the interrogation plan.
  Emotional-Futility
  8-49. (Interrogation and Other MSO) The emotional-futility approach is
  generally used in an interrogation setting, but may also be used for other
  MSO, if indicated by the source’s state of mind. In the emotional-futility
  approach, the HUMINT collector convinces the source that resistance to
  questioning is futile. This engenders a feeling of hopelessness and
  helplessness on the part of the source. Again as with the other emotional
  approaches, the HUMINT collector gives the source a “way out” of the