Accession Number:

ADA250266

Title:

OPDEC and the Real-Time Media: CNN as a Force Multiplier

Descriptive Note:

Research paper

Corporate Author:

NAVAL WAR COLL NEWPORT RI DEPT OF OPERATIONS

Personal Author(s):

• Ross, Bruce M.

Report Date:

1992-06-19

Pagination or Media Count:

30.0

Abstract:

The art of deception in warfare has been practiced for many millennia and it still retains an important place in the operational commanders repertoire. However, technological advances and sociological trends in the news media -- the electronic media in particular -- will increasingly expose to the public the actual events on the battlefield in near real-time. This will complicate the commanders ability to be successful in this often decisive warfighting practice. Creative use of the media may be used to increase the effectiveness of a commanders deception plan. But the commander must recognize that media operational deception OPDEC is a two-edged sword that presents risk as well as opportunity. The commander must consciously consider the long-term implications inherent in deceiving the media before undertaking such deception.

Descriptors:

• *MILITARY OPERATIONS
• *NATIONAL SECURITY
• *PUBLIC RELATIONS
• *DECEPTION
• *COMMUNITY RELATIONS
• *MASS MEDIA
• ELECTRONICS
• REAL TIME
• CENSORSHIP
• RISK ANALYSIS
• NEWSPAPERS
• TELEVISION SYSTEMS
• MILITARY COMMANDERS
• RADIO BROADCASTING
• BATTLEFIELDS
• EXPOSURE(GENERAL)
• DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Subject Categories:

• Information Science
• Electrical and Electronic Equipment
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
• Radio Communications

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE