Solving the People Puzzle by Emily Spencer

Author:Emily Spencer [Spencer, Emily]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Political Science, Intelligence & Espionage, History, Military, Special Forces, Technology & Engineering, Military Science
ISBN: 9781554887507
Google: -AoI1GAuGWEC
Publisher: Dundurn
Published: 2010-05-24T04:54:52+00:00

Host Nation Domain: Applying CQ in an Unfamiliar and Hostile Environment

When operating in a foreign environment, it is essential to understand the culture of the host nation (HN) population. A commander or any operator within an area of operation must have a clear understanding of who will oppose stabilization efforts and what motivates them to do so. They also need to know the best way to sway host nation inhabitants to their side. Adherence or, at minimum, respect for their culture and values is essential in winning the hearts and minds of locals. Yet one must also be conscious of one’s own societal expectations. Unfortunately, as Carol McCann has pointed out, “Know your adversary has become a canon of war since time immemorial; understanding the broader [host nation] population was less customary and it has taken time for militaries to recognize that reality and adjust.”23

Enhanced CQ offers one of the few possible solutions to this complex operating environment. Success in counter-insurgencies, specifically in locations such as Afghanistan, depends on winning the hearts and minds of the populace. As Lieutenant-Colonel Ian Hope asserted, “You cannot win without the trust of the local people.”24 And you cannot earn that trust if you do not understand them as a people and as a culture. Most military practitioners and strategists argue that the HN population is the centre of gravity for success in theatre (although an equally compelling case can be made for domestic support in regards to maintaining a respective national contingent in Afghanistan to prosecute the mission for example). The trust of the locals has to be earned through concrete action. Without an understanding of what is important and what behaviours will be seen as credible, their co-operation would be difficult to attain. What it boils down to is that building trust and credibility take time and are difficult tasks. Moreover, they are reliant on cultural intelligence. You need to appreciate the beliefs, values, and attitudes of the host nation population and act accordingly.

In order to gain the trust of local populations you need to appreciate how others see you — another dimension of the COE that CQ helps you attain. For example, an American veteran of Iraq acknowledged of his time there,

I must do more than just train, advise and fight with my Iraqi friend. I must go out of my way every single day to disprove the ‘Ugly American’ label that is attached to me. I must approach every personal interaction as a singular opportunity to battle the insurgency and then realize that my interactions with each and every Iraqi do have lasting and very strategic consequences.25

Certainly, viewing yourself through the eyes of HN members while being cognizant of the environment, human and physical, will help you make good decisions when trying to influence HN peoples.

Building trust and credibility for your mission within the host nation population will build popular support for the HN national government. With increased popular support comes stability and security enhancements. For instance, the population will

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