The Human Terrain System : operationally relevant social science research in Iraq and Afghanistan /

"The Human Terrain System embedded civilians primarily in brigade combat teams (BCTs) in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2007 and 2014 to act as a collection and dispersal mechanism for sociocultural comprehension. Set against the backdrop of the program's evolution, the experiences of these...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Sims, Christopher J. (Author)
Format: Government Document Electronic eBook
Language:English
Published: Carlisle Barracks, PA : Strategic Studies Institute and U.S. Army War College Press, 2015.
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Online Access:CONNECT
Description
Summary:"The Human Terrain System embedded civilians primarily in brigade combat teams (BCTs) in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2007 and 2014 to act as a collection and dispersal mechanism for sociocultural comprehension. Set against the backdrop of the program's evolution, the experiences of these social scientists clarifies the U.S. Army's decision to integrate social scientists at the tactical level in conflict. Based on interviews, program documents, material from Freedom of Information Act requests, and secondary sources, this book finds a series of limiting factors inhibiting social science research at the tactical level, common to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Complexity in integrating civilians into the military decisionmaking cycle, creating timely research with a high level of fidelity, and making granular research resonate with brigade staff all contributed to inhibiting the overall effect of the Human Terrain System. Yet, while high operational tempo in contested spaces complicates social science research at the tactical level, the author argues that there is a continued requirement for a residual capability to be maintained by the U.S. Army"--Publisher's web site.
Item Description:"December 2015."
Physical Description:1 online resource (xv, 504 pages) : color illustrations
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references (pages 393-444).