Analysis of the provided Text: A Call for Increased Focus on Cognitive Warfare
This text is a commentary on the recently released National Defense Strategy (NDS). The author finds the NDS generally reassuring in its alignment with existing national security direction, but argues it underemphasizes the critical importance of cognitive warfare. Here’s a breakdown of the key arguments:
1.Core Argument: Cognitive Warfare is Missing
* The author believes the NDS, while strong on customary defense and deterrence, lacks explicit attention too cognitive warfare – influencing the thinking and decision-making of adversaries (and potentially allies).
* This is seen as a notable oversight, especially given the increasing importance of operating “in the spaces prior to war.”
2. Justification: Connecting NDS Statements to Cognitive Warfare Needs
The author skillfully reads into the NDS, connecting its stated goals to the need for cognitive warfare capabilities. They highlight three key NDS statements:
* “…this Strategy will ensure that we see things and the choices we need to make clearly.” – This requires a robust intelligence community capable of understanding the adversary’s mindset and predicting their reactions. Cognitive warfare contributes to this understanding.
* “…including by leading efforts to deter or defend against other, lesser threats“ – Deterrence isn’t just about kinetic power; it’s about influencing an adversary’s perception of risk. Cognitive warfare can play a crucial role in this.
* “· ….partner with ….other federal departments and agencies to reinvigorate and mobilize our great nation’s unrivaled creativity and ingenuity, re-spark our innovative spirit….“ – The author interprets this as a call for increased irregular warfare, and specifically links “creativity and ingenuity” to the core skills needed for cognitive warfare.
3. Cognitive Warfare’s Role in deterrence & Pre-conflict Preparation
* The author argues cognitive warfare can “prep the battle space” even without resorting to kinetic conflict.
* Influence operations are presented as a key component of deterrence, shaping adversary perceptions and potentially preventing escalation.
4. Implications & Recommendations
* National Intelligence Strategy: The author anticipates the upcoming National Intelligence Strategy will be crucial in outlining the intelligence community’s direction, and hopes it will address the cognitive warfare gap.
* Resource Allocation: The NDS will necessitate resource adjustments, potentially including the consolidation of SOUTHCOM and NORTHCOM. These adjustments must prioritize cognitive warfare capabilities.
* Acquisition & Contracting: The Department of Defense needs to streamline its acquisition processes to rapidly develop the necessary cognitive warfare technologies and capabilities.
* Partnerships: increased expectations for allies are acknowledged,and the author believes they are capable of meeting them.
* Overall Message: The US seeks to avoid conflict, but must be prepared to respond decisively.Investing in cognitive warfare is vital for both deterrence and preparedness.
In essence, the author is advocating for a proactive, non-kinetic approach to national security, arguing that influencing the cognitive domain is as importent as – and potentially more effective than – traditional military power in the 21st century. They see the NDS as a solid foundation, but believe it needs to be supplemented with a more focused strategy for cognitive warfare.