Media as a Force Enhancer: The Operational Planning Considerations

Abstract

Abstract : If properly understood and integrated into operational planning, media presence can be a legitimate and powerful force enhancer in military operations. This paper is directed at operational planners and commanders to help them fully comprehend both the obvious and the subtle impacts the media has on their planning efforts. The keys to effectively capitalizing on the media presence are to incorporate the limitations imposed and exploit the opportunities presented. To that end, this paper starts by reviewing the evolution of media on the battlefield, with a focus on the problems noted, the lessons learned, the continuing struggle over access, and the increasing reporting capabilities enabled through technological advances -- all things operational planners need to understand. The heart of the paper is in the discussion of how the media impacts at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels of war, and the resulting implications on, and planning considerations for, operational planners. Operational planning, Force enhancer, Media relations, Operational deception, Force multiplier, Media pool, Operational security, Public affairs, Media.