How to Win Friends and Influence People: Planning Perception Management at the Division and Corps Level

摘要

We have all heard the saying that 'Perception is Reality'. This statement is especially salient when discussing military operations in a post conflict environment. The implications of the perceptions of the local populace during the transition period from major combat operations to a stable, steady state environment, the global information environment, threats from insurgents and the presence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) creates operational conditions rarely experienced before. Corps and division commanders are now faced with the increasingly complex challenges of conducting influence operations and managing perceptions on an order of magnitude their predecessors have rarely encountered. Influence operations have received a great deal of attention in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and subsequent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Our nation's leadership has realized the importance of offensive and defensive information and the criticality of its collaborative use. Although strategic and operational information activities have increased, the emphasis on perception management at the division and corps level has been limited. In order for corps and divisions to be effective and achieve lasting, measurable results in a post-conflict environment, they must establish a secure environment, foster the legitimacy of the host nation government, restore essential services and infrastructure while simultaneously generating goodwill and protecting friendly forces. To accomplish these objectives, division and corps commanders must master the art and science of managing perceptions by employing influence operations as a weapon system. This monograph proposes a model for tactical perception management and influence operations in the corps and the division.