Young, William, "Understanding and Diagnosing Adversary System Behavior in 4th Generation Warfare: A Soft Approach to EBO Mission Analysis", 2005 July 17-2005 July 21

ua435

Effects-based Operations (EBO) is becoming the centerpiece of Western military thinking. The concept is based on influencing the behavior of adversary complex adaptive systems (such as terrorist networks) in dynamic environments. Mission analysis is the foundation of campaign planning. This paper suggests a process to improve how campaign planners identify effects necessary to yield a desired endstate during EBO mission analysis. The process is based on using a modified version of Soft Systems Methodology to structure the problem by providing planners a high-level initial understanding of the dynamic complexity associated with 4th Generation Warfare threats. Planners use this understanding to identify and diagnose specific adversary behavior inconsistent with the directed endstate. Potential system changes to modify problematic behavior are next identified and debated. Finally, the changes are converted into “effects” that serve as the input into more detailed planning efforts. The process uses group learning and shared understanding as a “hedge” against the ambiguity associated with 21st Century military planning.

This is the whole item.

Date created
  • 2005 July 17-2005 July 21
Type
Processing Activity License

ITEM CONTEXT

Part of

cc5bb0ac12a5b68b26b1583548898dae

Scope and Contents
Part of

3c582e6f5cf305ef0030c7471b499022

Scope and Contents
Part of

23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8

Scope and Contents
Collection

System Dynamic Society Records

Scope and Contents
Collecting area

单件