Bytes or Bullets: The Implications of Chaplaincy Involvement Within Information Operations
Abstract
This paper will discuss the importance of information operations (IO) as an element of information policy within the context of military strategy. Recently the U.S. military has participated in numerous combat and peace-support operations. In the current fight the strategic/tactical main effort focuses on non-kinetic non-lethal means. In light of these operations the Army has changed the means by which it plans coordinates and executes information-operations (IO) and IO-effects. A recent change has been commanders requesting the Unit Ministry Team (UMT) to participate in IO. The UMT can provide a critical role in IO in the area of religion. In current operations religion may be a vulnerability or decision point in the fight. The UMT has involvement in humanitarian and civil military operations that has become a critical part in support of IO. The UMT does not have the doctrine or training to operate in the IO realm. Most UMTs do not have extensive comparative religion training. This paper will review the implications to the Army chaplaincy of the UMT participating in IO; understand the impact of UMT involvement in IO and its affect on religious support and mission accomplishment. The paper will propose an expanded role for the UMT.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA448686
Entities
People
- David E. Smith
Organizations
- United States Army War College