The Language of Conflict: How a Combined/Joint Force Commander can Overcome Military Linguist Shortages to Enhance Information Operations
Abstract
This paper examines how a combined or joint force commander can continue to shape Information Operations despite a shortage of military linguists. As advances in Information Operations grow throughout the world, so does the need for qualified and competent linguists. As we have seen in various military conflicts and operations throughout history, linguists have played a key role in keeping the operational commander apprised of enemy intentions, orders of battle, and operations. Without proper translation resources, the operational commander is placed in a position where he can be denied enemy information, thereby relinquishing the Information Operations advantage. By addressing translation requirements in the early operational planning stages, and employing a competent Information Operations Officer, who also has cultural and foreign area expertise, the operational commander can achieve an information advantage over his adversary. Tapping U.S. government linguists, civilian contract linguists, indigenous speakers, and machine translations also can aid the commander in filling any gaps in translation services and cultural awareness caused by the military linguist shortage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 04, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA400907
Entities
People
- Michael D. Beeson
Organizations
- Naval War College