Improving Information Operations with a Military Cultural Analyst
Abstract
The concept and practice of using information as a tool in military operations to support political objectives has gained increased notoriety and emphasis within U.S. political and military arenas over the course of the last decade. Two particular publications of 2001, the Quadrennial Defense Review Report (QDR) and the United States Army Field Manual 3-0, Operations, highlight this fundamental shift in the growing importance of using information in warfare. Of particular importance, the 2001 QDR mandated that information operations be treated not merely as an enabling function, but as a core capability of future forces. Recent military operations conducted during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), however, indicate that the application of this newly christened element of combat power has fallen well short of desired effectiveness. Without comprehensive changes in training, equipment distribution and personnel management, the Army will continue to struggle to employ information operations and fail to achieve the directives of the 2001 QDR. Fortunately, the Army has begun several studies in an effort to make the necessary changes to improve information operations. Yet one model that the Army has not yet studied is that of international marketing and advertising agencies. These firms have developed effective organizational structures, techniques, and procedures to share their ideas with people across a vast array of cultures, all with the intent of inducing a predetermined action. Gleaning the pertinent lessons from the international marketing model can help the Army empower tactical and operational commanders with the tools necessary to better understand the culture of a country, region, or area of operations. With this knowledge, these commanders could greatly improve the effectives of their information operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 25, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA436283
Entities
People
- Stephen C. Rogers
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College