Building Psychological Operations (PSYOP) into the Operational Commander's Estimate of the Situation (CES).
Abstract
Psychological Operations(PSYOP) provide combatant commanders with a force enhancement capability across the full military operational spectrum; from peace to crisis to war. Numerous lessons learned from the Gulf War and other recent Military Operations Other than War (MOOTW) emphasize that early, centralized planning at the highest levels form the prerequisite for effective PSYOP implementation at the Strategic, Operational, and Tactical levels of warfare. The central planning instrument for initial mission analysis and Course of Action (COA) selection is the Commander's Estimate of the Situation (CES). Presently, the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) broadly addresses PSYOP in both deliberate and crisis action planning. However, this doctrine fails to provide direct guidance on how to include PSYOP with all other force considerations throughout the CES. Operational planners often apply PSYOP in a shotgun approach at the end of the CES process. This application of PSYOP as a late or stand alone force or weapon system fails to incorporate the full potential PSYOP brings to the operational commander's arsenal. In contrast, PSYOP must be analyzed and compared with other force assets at the beginning of this planning process. Therefore, integrating PSYOP directly into the CES provides the combatant commander with a well planned and synergized decision in time of peace or crisis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 07, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA325152
Entities
People
- James T. Loeblein
Organizations
- Naval War College