Erik Krivda

Media: a Line of Operation for Urban Combat on the Operational Level Erik Krivda

Understanding and leveraging the media has become critical for operational level commanders conducting urban combat operations. The insatiable public appetite for information has created conditions where tactical actions can have severe strategic repercussions simply based on media reporting. In the 21st century, the operational level commander conducting urban combat operations must clearly understand the influence the media has on the success of operations. Media influences on world public opinion can now change the traditional model of warfare described by Clausewitz's trinity. World public opinion, influenced by the media, is now a fourth factor in influencing war modifying the trinity into a diamond. Therefore, operational level commanders must address the media in their planning and operations. Adding the media as a line of operation for planning and establishing media crisis teams will allow the commander to consider media coverage, or the media battle space, throughout an operation. This ensures planners will develop the media battle space as an integral part of the urban kinetic fight and ensure success in the global environment. Examining Hue and Fallujah as historical examples through the lenses of reporting cycle, public perception, and doctrine will demonstrate the new significance of the media in 21st century urban combat.