The Human Terrain System
Subtitle: operationally relevant social science research in Iraq and Afghanistan
By: Christopher J. Sims
Contributors: Army War College (U.S.). Strategic Studies Institute; Army War College (U.S.). Press
Publisher: Strategic Studies Institute and U.S. Army War College Press
Published: 2015
Place of publication: Carlisle, PA
Language: eng
Number of pages: 504
ISBN-13: 9781584877172
Subjects: Applied anthropology; Applied sociology; United States. Army. Human Terrain System; United States
Description: "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 decision making 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.
Notes: "December 2015."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 393-444).

Also available online in PDF format from Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) web site.
Table of contents: title: Introduction; title: Capability gap; title: Two cultures; title: From a military crisis; title: Trial, error, and amendment; title: Theory and practice; title: At the limits of knowledge; title: Conclusions.