The Role of Religion in Information Operations

Abstract

Opinions abound regarding what motivates insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some discuss the issue in detail without mentioning religion. Others blame religious intolerance directly. Whichever side of the argument one takes, religious certainty and the confidence it breeds impedes progress toward peaceful coexistence. Religious factors effect military information operations (IO), but by what means should these factors be addressed? Acceptance of, real respect for, and eventual military cooperation with individuals of different faiths requires very liberal interpretations of one's own religious doctrine. There is nothing more difficult than convincing a person to doubt something he or she needs to believe. The U.S. Military Chaplain Corps could potentially lead the way, but first they must be screened to ensure they are willing and able to set aside their own personal religious certainty and to make liberal interpretations of their doctrine in favor of that end.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA510961

Entities

People

  • Harry L. Fowler Iii

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chaplains
  • Christianity
  • Doctrine
  • Employment
  • Explosive Devices
  • Government (Foreign)
  • Humanities
  • Improvised Explosive Devices
  • Information Operations
  • Man Borne Improvised Explosive Devices
  • Marine Corps
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Personnel
  • Psychological Operations
  • Religion
  • Strategic Communications
  • Warfare

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.
  • Systems Analysis and Design