Information Operations and the Global War on Terror: The Joint Force Commander's Fight for Hearts and Minds in the 21st Century

Abstract

Information Operations offers the Joint Force Commander with an alternative to using traditional military force when objectives are abstract or intangible. General Charles Holland, United States Special Operations Command, identifies the Muslim population as the Center of Gravity in our current War on Terror. Information operations may be the tool necessary to target this Center of Gravity. The successful Australian Defense Force (ADF) experience with Information Operations in two recent conflicts offer the United States valuable strategies in fighting the Global War on Terror. Examining the ADF IC methods and techniques offer today's Joint Force Commander (JFC) with approaches worthy of consideration in a conflict that is religiously and ideologically charged. Analysis of current U.S. efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq are explored and recommendations are provided for consideration in the struggle to win the Hearts and Souls of the greater Muslim population.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 09, 2004
Accession Number
ADA422766

Entities

People

  • Patrick B. Mackin

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Cyber
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Asia
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Combatant Commanders
  • Employment
  • Geographic Regions
  • Information Operations
  • Information Warfare
  • Iraqi-War
  • Military Applications
  • Military Operations
  • Psychological Operations
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • United States
  • United States Special Operations Command
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.