Cyber Mobilization: The Neglected Aspect of Information Operations and Counterinsurgency Doctrine

Abstract

For over two years, the U.S. armed forces have focused on seeking ways to counter insurgent use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Less attention has been paid to countering the mobilization process that produces the seemingly unending line of insurgents willing to (1) become suicide bomber (walking IEDs or WIEDs), (2) prepare the IEDs, and (3) fight street battles. The insurgents use the Internet's "cyber mobilization" potential to fuel and supply this line of volunteers. They have been particularly successful in recruiting volunteers from other countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt. This success has forced coalition forces to continually react to the environment instead of controlling it.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA471028

Entities

People

  • Timothy L. Thomas

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computer Networks
  • Computers
  • Counterinsurgency
  • Doctrine
  • Improvised Explosive Devices
  • Information Operations
  • Information Warfare
  • Insurgency
  • Internet
  • Joint Military Activities
  • Law
  • Psychological Operations
  • Societies
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • Video Games
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.

Technology Areas

  • Cyber