Strategic Communication Enablers for the Regional Combatant Commander
Abstract
In order for the Regional Combatant Commands (RCCs) to meet national level objectives consistent with the National Security Strategy and National Military Strategy, the RCC must not only be prepared to focus its efforts on "kinetic" operations, but must also tailor its Strategic Communication (SC) efforts to win "hearts and minds" by winning the "war of ideas" This victory can only be accomplished by the RCC's ability to employ its soft power capabilities, which includes strategic communication In order to successfully meet these future SC challenges at the operational level, it is absolutely paramount that RCCs focus their efforts upon three SC enablers - U.S. Government (USG) policy and interagency coordination, synchronization and planning, and the development of processes that measure effectiveness of SC objectives. This paper will trace the "grass roots" of SC, provide the current definition of key terms under the SC umbrella, and assess why SC is a valid operational mission for the RCC. By analyzing past and current SC efforts by the RCCs, this paper will further assess how USG policy and interagency coordination has influenced the RCC's ability to synchronize the planning and execution of SC activities, along with the RCC's ability to effectively design mechanisms to measure the effectiveness of its' SC objectives. This paper will conclude by proposing recommendations for future employment of SC/soft power by the RCCs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 23, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA484482
Entities
People
- Michael R. Harper
Organizations
- Naval War College