1) The Operation Is Real.. No Doubt.

So? why is it so big on alternate media and not on MSM?
A) Because Patriots use Alternative Media almost exclusively.

So what?
A) Patriots are the exclusive enemy of the "state". They are the only ones who pay attention to the 'chatter'. The surveillance system is set up exclusively to identify them. Monitoring where the chatter goes to and comes from identifies them.

2) Other than identification of patriots and their associates, what or some of the operations goals?

A) Positively identify and Infiltrate militias and Patriot organizations..
EXAMPLE... Austin TX is NOT on the list of cities to be 'tested' Austin is well known as the Liberal capital of the State. The Other cities (college station, ie) are well-known hotbeds of patriotism.

B) Identify lone wolf 'sheepdogs'...
Example.. Identify, Record and locate persons with LONG Guns at shooting ranges which have 'tricked out' weapons platforms.

(50 BMG and long range optics are not very popular hunting items) Identify their friends via cellphone data, address via license plate readers, cameras, etc. Correlate this with gun show attendance, internet sites frequented, ordering of supplies, work associates, etc. Look for clues such as 'military' gear, camo, t shirt slogans, insignia, personal mannerisms which indicate interest in jade helm ops.

C) LISTEN to 'private' conversations in public venues. pay attention to 'keywords'. especially any mention of 'constitution' , etc.

D) Make friends of mammon. set up or at least identify possible future contacts among the patriots, which can be exploited or 'used' in the coming months. Identify patriot patrons.

on and on it goes... keep thinking..

The bottom line... Pats need to get real good at deception. To do this we need to pretend to not give a shit till it goes hot, which it may...