Communication in Military Operations

Strategic Communications Challenges Affecting Military Operations
This activity will address module outcomes 2 & 3. Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:
• Synthesize military communications challenges (CO2)
• Apply Strategic Communications as part of the Information element of power (CO2)
In part one of this discussion, we will focus on strategic communications and explore SC principles, credibility, and trust. Often service members may ask what strategic communications have to do with military operations. The Commander’s Handbook for Strategic Communication provides one response, which states:
“The continuous, rapid communication flow in the information environment, facilitated by modern technological advances and media distribution methods, requires responsive, agile processes and capabilities to preserve and enhance the credibility and influence of the United States” (U.S. Joint Forces Command, 2010).
Strategic communications are part of our doctrine. Therefore, it should play a fundamental role in any military leadership course.
To prepare for this discussion, read and review the Module Notes and Appendix P Principles, Credibility, and Trust of the Commander’s Handbook for Strategic Communications and Communication Strategy. As you read this chapter, you will be able to comprehend the elements of the communications principles model defined in this appendix and how each principle supports the strategic communications effort.
When you have completed your required readings for this module, you should be prepared to engage in the following discussion activity:
Watch the following videos:
• War 2.0: Military Industrial Media Entertainment Network (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. [Video File, 6:17 mins]
• Haiti Earthquake… Aid or Occupation? Al Jazeera TV – 2010 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. [Video File, 3:09 mins]
Now, please read and respond to the following:
• Describe the challenges of balancing all principles and illustrate, based on your comprehension of the assigned readings and experience, which principles are most important.
• Describe how an individual soldier may implement at least three of the principles listed in the model.
• In your response, describe, as you understand from reading and discussion, how strategic communications impact military operations. Include examples to strengthen your argument and/or incorporate some of the quotations from the Commander’s Handbook for Strategic Communications and Communication Strategy.
Please contribute at least one original post in response to the discussion question and post at least one substantive reply to fellow students or the instructor follow-up question.