Psychological Operations: Will the Real Approval Authority Please Stand Up?
Abstract
The only organic tool the combatant commander has in his arsenal to communicate with enemy forces or civilians in his theater is Psychological Operations. Accordingly, when the Psychological Operations effort is well coordinated, it can aid significantly in the success of the commander's mission. To be most effective Psychological Operations must be timely. Psychological Operations are most responsive when the theater level commander retains the approval authority for Psychological Operations products. The approval process begins, however, at levels well above the combatant commander. The Psychological Operations plan must be approved at the Secretary of Defense level via the Joint Staff. Considering the degree of technological advances in the information arena to which the world is now exposed, this process must have interagency coordination for a truly synchronized effort. It is imperative that during peace and war the office responsible for approving Psychological Operations plans and products be defined clearly and supported by all agencies and organizations responsible for information activities. Unfortunately, in practice, this is not always the case.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 04, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA401091
Entities
People
- Brian M. Pugmire
Organizations
- Naval War College