Putting Social, Cultural and Political Factors into the Joint Doctrine Playbook

Abstract

Social, Cultural and Political (SCP) factors have been inadequately attended to in Operational design and execution resulting in unwelcome outcomes. Several cases (Vietnam, Somalia, Lebanon and Kosovo) illustrate SCP factor neglect in Operational design and execution. Joint Doctrine lacks sufficient guidance to incorporate SCP factors into Operational design and execution. Neglect of SCP factors is caused by an incomplete conception of Operational Art. A revised conception of Operational Art, range of military operations, and principles of military operations are offered to raise the level of emphasis and redress doctrinal shortcomings vis-a-vis SCP factors. Finally, exemplary changes to Joint Doctrine for Intelligence and Information Operations are given to demonstrate pragmatic methods of incorporating SCP factors into Operational Design and execution. In view of the likelihood that U.S. forces will be employed within complex social, cultural and political contexts in the near term, correcting the doctrinal shortcomings in this area is essential.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 04, 2002
Accession Number
ADA401839

Entities

People

  • James A. Kirk

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Counter WMD
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Airports
  • Combat Operations
  • Employment
  • Human Intelligence
  • Humanitarian Assistance
  • Information Operations
  • Intelligence Collection
  • International Airports
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Psychological Operations
  • Rules Of Engagement
  • Security
  • Surveillance
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Naval Engineering and Maritime Security
  • Systems Analysis and Design