Information Warfare
Information warfare is the most neglected aspect of the War on Terror. With the roll-out of my Terrorist Death Watch project, the weaknesses of the military in this vital part of modern warfare have become more apparent than ever.
CENTAF is the United States Air Force component doing the most in the war. On a daily basis it provides an AIR POWER SUMMARY which details its combat and support efforts over the last 24 hours or so. It details where its aircraft acted in support of troops on the ground, thus providing a good list of where fighting happened.
The December 2 summary shows combat as follows on December 1:
- Lashkar Gah, AF
- Moqor, AF
- Al Qa’im, IR
- Baghdad
- Baghdad and al Kut
In theory, then, Central Command, MNF-Iraq or NATO in Afghanistan should them produce a press release for each of the combat situations. Hopefully, these releases will contain some assessment of enemy losses.
As of this writing, there is nothing from NATO on either of the combats reported by the Air Force.
MNF-Iraq seems to be more consistant and has releases for the Air Force reported attacks.
Reuters is reporting 70-80 Taliban killed in a battle near the village of Musa Qala in Helmand province. NATO’s press release is this:
Last night, ISAF forces on a routine patrol 15 kilometres outside the town of Musa Qal’eh in Helmand province engaged a large group of insurgents.
During a firefight, which lasted nearly four hours, ISAF forces called in attack helicopters and close air support, killing and injuring a significant number of insurgents.
A lot of information is lacking when compared to the Reuter’s report which cites NATO as its source.
Here’s an MNF release, and while it documents an attack with air support, no enemy losses are given.
Regimental Combat Team 5 Marines patrolling on foot
Sunday in Hasa, Iraq, were attacked with small arms fire by insurgents positioned in a
residential structure.
The Marines attempted to maneuver on the building but were unable to enter due
to the high volume of insurgent fire.
The Marines then fired a shoulder fired, anti-tank rocket at the building, and when
the fire continued from the insurgents, the Marines employed precision-guided ordnance
to destroy the building.
No additional damage or casualties to civilians or Coalition Forces were reported.
Obviously, unless the enemy escaped, they had losses. And, I would believe our forces followed up to complete a BDA.
The military is in a race to issue press releases with the media who are issuing news reports from their stringers in the area. That’s why so many releases are incomplete. However, follow ups are also missing too many times. I would guess that you will not see a follow up to this story.
My advice to all involved: Be fast, be accurate and be balanced. You have to report our losses. Be certain that you report known enemy losses as well. Follow up on these battles with additional information as it becomes available. Context is everything. Our losses when placed in context with enemy losses and progress in combat present a different picture than just reporting our losses alone.
There was a period of time a few months ago when we bombed the old train station in Fallujah about five days in a row. It was just reported as a reponse to enemy activity. Nothing was reported telling why we had not destroyed the station, nor what sorts of activities were seen. In a case where we were being careful and using very precise targeting, it came across as sloppiness and an inability to strike our enemies. Bombing the same site day after day will give that impression. The same holds true for repeated releases about combat in any one location. Without context, it makes our efforts look futile and weak.
One more tip. When giving a location, place it for the reader. Not just the province but with some reference to borders or capitals or something. Context again. Without context we do not learn that most of the fighting is within 80 miles of Baghdad. Maybe you need a “No Combat” release on a daily basis, detailing the places, provinces, where violence did not occur.
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