US Armed Forces Public Affairs Roles in Low-Intensity Conflict. CLIC papers
Abstract
LIC is a phenomenon that threatens US national interests throughout the world. Difficult to define, it nonetheless categorizes such acts as the killing of 241 Marines in Beirut, the deaths of many other Americans as a result of terrorist bombings and highjackings, and Marxist-Leninist insurgencies endangering friends, allies, and US strategic interests worldwide. The perpetrators intend to disrupt and destroy democratic self-determination, free enterprise, and human rights, and install tyranny and totalitarianism globally. To avert and counter this, the US has adopted a multi-faceted policy which includes the prudent use of armed forces, principally for security assistance. However, public support--primarily from the US citizenry, but also from that of the assisted nations--is needed to ensure the policy's viability. US Armed Forces public affairs practitioners can and should assume significant roles to help achieve that support. This paper identifies and explains those roles. It demonstrates how public support can be earned for armed forces actions conducted in the context of overall US policy, and how that can logically contribute to support for, and effectiveness of, the national policy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA193704
Entities
People
- Alexander Angelle