Strategic Communication: A Department of Defense Approach
Abstract
US Government (USG) Strategic Communication (SC) is neither a process to be implemented, nor a capability to be employed, rather, it is an effect achieved through the exercise of all elements of national power. Integrating military operations with other USG activities to achieve SC goals is the responsibility of the Department of Defense (DoD). DoD has developed a SC Roadmap in order to institutionalize a Strategic Communication process within DoD. This focus on SC as a distinct executable process, rather than an outcome, is an impediment to progress toward achieving SC goals. The SC Roadmap fails to implement the Quadrennial Defense Review's vision for SC, and neglects proper strategic controls to ensure unity of effort is maintained in DOD support to SC. These failures degrade the competitive position of the U.S. in the international information environment. This essay will show why an effective USG SC strategy is necessary, and will seek to define DOD support to SC. Further, this essay will show that effective DOD support to SC can only be achieved by developing an SC culture within DOD, and that existing capabilities must be strengthened in order to ensure strategic competitiveness and effective USG SC during the next century.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 28, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA469611
Entities
People
- Bart E. Stovicek
Organizations
- United States Army War College