Developing an Operational Level Strategic Communication Model for Counterinsurgency
Abstract
Strategic communication should be operationalized in order to establish an offensive, proactive, approach to the employment of this most essential asset in the counterinsurgency fight. The center of gravity for both the insurgent and counterinsurgent at the operational and tactical level is the population. The first step to gaining the initiative from the insurgent is to understand how they are communicating their messages to the people and what the effectiveness of that message is. With that knowledge the counterinsurgent can then formulate a plan that will force the insurgent to react to the environmental and information effects created by an offensive, proactive strategic communication strategy. In order to effectively accomplish this model, strategic communication should be made a priority by making it a line of operation on equal footing with security, governance, and development within the counterinsurgency spectrum. This will ensure continuous strategic, operational and tactical leadership attention and input. The steps in developing this offensive model can be identified by answering the "five W"s" (why, who, where, what, when), and most importantly the "how" of the counterinsurgent strategic communication environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 24, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA498018
Entities
People
- David P. Anders
Organizations
- United States Army War College