In a programmed system, all the of the created alters are given several kinds of roles/tasks/functions that they do regularly.  There are also special tasks that they do at scheduled times. They do these things because of the programming.  Tasks can include keeping track of certain kinds of details, reporting to others (inside or outside of the system), managing other alters, some are daytime alters, whose role it is to go to work and function int he home.  Some are nighttime alters, who will participate in occult activities and take care of details related to those.  There are alters programmed for sex, alters for eating, alters for sleeping.  Some are protectors.  Some are system monitors.  Some function as part of internal hierarchies for governing, controlling, and determining goals for the system.  Some alters monitor programming.  Some have spiritual roles.  Some have specific tasks that are given by controllers that have to do with missions that take place on the outside.  Some keep track of time, and some repair clocks and other parts of the system when they break down.  There are alters that need to combine with others in order to do certain tasks.  There are tasks that are assigned for when outsiders get too close, and the system-protection programming is going off- in this case the alters may be told to spin something, or self harm or they may be inundated with suggestions to suicide.

  These are just some examples of tasks.  The tasks been anchored into the alter by some form of torture.  The alter may have been conditioned with beliefs about the tasks and their role in the system as well.  The programming is designed to run smoothly, in such a way that if they do it, they don’t experience pain or threat, but if they don’t do their task, then they may start to experience threat, painful memories, or other discomfort in order to get them to continue the task.  They may also begin to see that some of what they were told long ago about the threat or the task they are doing either was never true or is not any longer, and that the belief in which they were indoctrinated is one that keeps them a slave to their abusers.

  When parts of the system see other parts defying programming, then it can lead to increase hope and freedom within the system, but also internal conflict.  This is what is meant by the programming breaking down, and the system beginning to fail.

The system is either “fixed” by the programmers/handlers reaccessing the system OR the members of the system working together (and often with supporting people outside) to undo programming and re-assign roles that will work both toward freedom from outside control (and harm) and toward functioning well as a system.