Know the Enemy: Expanded Use of Leadership and Cultural Profile Data in Operational Planning
Abstract
The better one understands an enemy-especially how he thinks-the more effectively one can deter him from aggression or defeat him in armed conflict. The Central Intelligence Agency and Defense Intelligence Agency produce analytical and psychological products that profile cultures and individuals. Profile data is not, however, readily available to operational planners or widely used in planning. Profile information on enemy cultures, civilian leaders, and military commanders should be fully incorporated into operational planning. This would assist commanders and planners in determining an enemy's center of gravity (COG), and would aid in development of a course of action (COA) that would leverage friendly assets against that COG and protect the friendly COG. Utilizing profile information, planners could formulate a more effective COA by optimizing the operational functions of command and control, intelligence, movement and maneuver, and protection. Implementation of this concept should include employing on-site psychological and cultural expertise, educating operational planners on the application of profile data, and improving access to this information for planners.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA389531
Entities
People
- Bruce O. Lankford
Organizations
- Naval War College