Assessing the Results of Effects-Based Operations (EBO): The Relationship Between Effects-Based Operations and the Psychological Dimension of Warfare

摘要

In the Joint arena, Effects-Based Operations (EBO) is a new way of thinking about the translation of effects to objectives and uses all the elements of national power, kinetic and non-kinetic to achieve the objective The will of the adversary is a potential Center of Gravity (COG), therefore EBO must also be applied against the morale and will of the adversary when it is a COG. Overall, EBO needs to consider an adversaries' will in all operations as an enabler even when will in not considered the COG. Geo-strategic factors in the operational areas of the theater require an assessment of political, economic, sociological, informational, and psychological factors to enable proper planning and evaluation of courses of action (COAs) at all levels - strategic, operational, and tactical. History and the study of previous conflicts and wars indicate that the concept of effects-based operations is not new. Current perceptions of effects-based operational tenets clearly indicate misunderstanding of the total nature of effects-based operations as a capability. Knowledge of the opposition can be used to create a psychological effect that assists in the attainment of the overall objective. How can this psychological effect be incorporated into strategic, operational and tactical planning. This paper argues that the psychological dimension of warfare has a profound correlation to effects-based operations, both for the opposition as well as for our own national strategy and how this nation can plan and better use all elements of our national power to perhaps avoid the next conflict, but if we must, be better prepared.