Human terrain: Past, present and future applications - Annotated Bibliography Example

Source González, R. J. (2008). Human terrain. Anthropology Today, 24 21-26. Key Words Human Terrain System, CIA, CORDS, HTTs The Used Methods The current currently used HTS of the army has following teams:Theater Support OfficeThe support caters for administrative and logistical support to the HTS in Afghanistan. They also help in liaison between different HTS teams and the military operational commanders.Theater Coordination ElementsThe theater coordination elements are embedded within the three star general commander’s staff and provide strategic support directly to the commander.

The TCE team consists of both civilian and military personnel including team leader, scientists and managers.Social Sciences Research and AnalysisThe social sciences research and analysis team works on the local heritage, customs and cultural understandings and make reports and recommendations to the theater support element staff.Human Terrain analysis teams These teams provide direct HTS support to the regional commander including possible reactions. The analysis teams also consist of a leader, a couple of research scientists and a few managers.

SummarySoon after the 9/11 incident, the US involved in many fronts simultaneously most of the places which involved fighting insurgents and gorilla style militants, the knowledge and the know-how of the local population and how to win their hearts over the advances of the enemy was termed utmost important. History has taught the US armed forces that despite their military advancements and superiority, if they don’t have public support for their cause, the chances of success in the volatile areas are very low thus dragging the conflict on without achieving the results.

Most of these scenarios result in abandonment and subsequently the violent opposition take over just like in Vietnam. To tackle this important issue the Human Terrain system was introduced to include a team of sociologists, anthropologists and psychologists to help identify the military the crucial cultural and religious pressure points that come to be associated with volatile nations and to liaison with the local population to help bridge the gap between them and the population thus effectively the Human Terrain system.

Acknowledging the HTS, the army made it a permanent program by 2010. The HTS has been hailed a prime example of how professional the US army has developed into but is no short of controversy as military leaders and other sections have voiced their opposing views regarding its functionality. AnalysisThe HTT teams provide direct support to the brigade and regiment level commanders. The field research is conducted by them and threats perceived by the local population are understood and the emotional reactions to occur if several attack methodologies are implemented.

This team also includes a team leader, several scientists, managers and at least one woman personnel to facilitate the population more. The human terrain system aims to try and create a social understanding of the operational area. This task requires essential hard core research in the social sciences sector and operational understanding and military flexibility of the generals and other commanding personnel. The HTS recommendations are in dire need to be prioritized ahead of military operations or else the situation will continue to worsen with unnecessary causalities on both sides.

Other ReferencesAndreatta, S. (2007). Human Terrain/Department of Defense. SfAA Newsletter18(4):1-3.Boot, M. (2006). Navigating the ‘human terrain’. Los Angeles Times, 7 December.ReferencesHumanterrainsystem.army.mil (2013). The Human Terrain System. [online] Retrieved from: http://humanterrainsystem.army.mil/ [Accessed: 15 Sep 2013].