PSY-OP Girls, also called Military E-Girls, are a subculture that developed in TikTok during the early 2020s as a combination of the Military and E-Girl aesthetics. It is based upon the trend of young, conventionally attractive women who have joined the military and post romanticized videos about what their life is like in their military service. However, there are a minority of PSY-OP Girls who don't partake in this propaganda and are just roleplayers who like cosplaying as soldiers. PSY-OP Girls typically post photos and videos of themselves in uniforms and other military gear, and they often use hashtags like #militarycurves and #pewpew. They may also post about their experiences in the military, and they may talk about the "benefits" of serving.
The name for PSY-OP Girls originates from the backlash they have received for encouraging young people to join the military. "PSY-OP" stands for "psychological operations", which means using propaganda and other psychological techniques to influence the behavior of enemy forces, civilians, and governments.
History[]
The US military using social media influencers to recruit is nothing new - but the term "PSY-OP girl" became popular in 2022 after a TikToker called Lujan, who is a psychological operations specialist in the US Army, started posting thirst trap videos in choppers and pouty selfies with assault rifles. Her online presence led to countless memes speculating that she is a PSY-OP meant to recruit people into the US army[1]. This quickly set up a trend of young women dressing up in military attire and posting flirty videos of themselves. The trend received both backlash and admirers: some people believe the PSY-OP Girl trend is harmful because it encourages people to join the Military and trivializes its dangerous aspects, while some people crushed over these influencers wearing military attire. The new wave of PSY-OP girl influences also had people from multiple cultural backgrounds, particularly from Israel and other countries that are stereotypically considered "war-torn" in the West.
Fashion[]
Some elements commonly found in PSY-OP Girl fashion include:
- Military uniforms or gear
- Combat boots
- Vests
- Tactical clothing
- Tight clothing
- Thigh high socks
- Pleated skirts
- Leggings
- Shorts
- Crop tops
- Weaponry
- Heavy makeup
- Flags
- Elements of Cosplay (sometimes; examples include cat ears, anime girl wigs, etc.)
Criticism[]
The PSY-OP Girl aesthetic has been subject to multiple criticisms. For example, its most common criticism is how it trivilializes the struggles of serving in the military, and how it idealizes it in a very romantic and unrealistic way, especially towards Gen Z users. This can be harmful because it can lead to young people being disappointed or disillusioned when they join the military and find that it is not as cool as they were made to believe. Other critics also argue that the PSY-OP Girl trend is used to exploit young people. They argue that the military uses these influencers to target young people who are impressionable and vulnerable. They also argue that the military uses these influencers to deceive young people about the realities of military service. Some people also argue this aesthetic sexualizes female soldiers.
Media[]
Influencers[]
- Lujan
- Kayla Salinas
- Bailey Crespo
- Bella Poarch
- Natalia Fadeev
Video Games[]
- Girls Frontline
Gallery[]
