Posted on Sep 9, 2014
Do the American people need to know all our military strategies?
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In my opinion it is best that the american people mostly the press to stay out of this area. Have we forgot what OPSEC is??? To tell the people, over the internet, tv, radio and papers what we plan to do is ludicrous! Why not just send the enemy our battle plans and call it a day. I realize that the american people have some right as to what the military is doing but only after the operation is done or is in full swing and then only partially. I believe that we need to do what ever it takes to get the job done and that is to kill the cowardly enemy and to keep civilian casualties at a minimum. My thoughts, what are yours?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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It's bothered me tremendously the amount of information that the Pentagon and the administration allow to be put out to the media and to anyone that bears us ill-will. Surge numbers, timelines for withdrawal, etc. is not information that should be disseminated, while I believe that the American people are entitled to a lot of information from their government, most if not all of the militaries strategies and plans should be kept close to the vest until after the event/operation have already occurred.
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LTC Paul Labrador
the amount wouldn't be bad if the Pentagon was being saavy and putting out dis-information to confuse our enemies. The problem is that dis-information is interpreted as "lies" by the media...
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SGT (Join to see)
I do not believe so, anything that is made public is accessible across the globe which in turn does not bide well for troops on the ground.
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SGT Richard H. and MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca , I wholeheartedly agree with your statements which brings me to a separate, but related question.
Do you think the (relatively) recent policy of 'embedding' reporters in units is helpful to society and or military operations or is it more harmful? Should we continue with this practice?
I have personally seen stories come from these reporters that were helpful to the mission, but I have also heard of examples where operations were significantly hindered as a result.
Do you think the (relatively) recent policy of 'embedding' reporters in units is helpful to society and or military operations or is it more harmful? Should we continue with this practice?
I have personally seen stories come from these reporters that were helpful to the mission, but I have also heard of examples where operations were significantly hindered as a result.
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
For the regular unit yes I believe imbedding provides the human drama angle which is needed to strengthen support on the home front BUT these folks need to be taught the difference between right to know and OPSEC and need to downplay the "unconfirmed" reports schtick. They are there to provide prospective not win a Pulitzer. Like us they shouldn't be there for the glory and bennies. The closest they should get to SOCOM units is the PAO who meets them at the gate of the compound.
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LTC Paul Labrador
There hasn't been OPSEC since Vietnam when getting the story out and thus garnering the fame for it was more important than helping the war effort.
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SGM (Join to see)
Yes. To a degree consistent with operational security. Informed citizens, as with informed soldiers, are motivated. The leader's ability to share a vision and to communicate purpose and intent becomes critical to achieving positive motivation that supports and does not detract.
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SGM (Join to see)
One key operational security issue today is the use of cell phones and social media by soldiers, even in combat zones. A lot of information inadvertantly gets out that should not. However, in many cases decisions were made to allow it. During early adventures in Iraq/Afghan, we had a few soldiers and contractors posting daily pages to the point of presenting diagrams of a compound and even their daily routines. We were able to instill common sense. One does wonder why it was absent. In another case, anytime we had a stateside prep for movement, soldiers and spouses were alerting news media...without regard to the safety implications for themselves and loved ones. Can relate other instances and yet, they might reveal more serious flaws in young judgement. The point is: it's very difficult to control information in such environments as many govs have learned. Far better to put emphasis on keen understanding of how loose lips sink ships.
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Like with all the 3 letter alphabet soup organizations, what the general public doesn't know about what they are doing isn't going to hurt them.
If it weren't for all the leaky sqeakies like Snowden, no one would be any the wiser. Black Ops are a necessary evil and IMHO we can't have them questioned. Waterboarding is need so Joe Beachbum can keep surfboarding.
If it weren't for all the leaky sqeakies like Snowden, no one would be any the wiser. Black Ops are a necessary evil and IMHO we can't have them questioned. Waterboarding is need so Joe Beachbum can keep surfboarding.
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