Fourth Estate in Fourth Generation Warfare

摘要

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld outlined the military's media policy for Operation Iraqi Freedom by stating that 'We need to tell the factual story -- good or bad -- before others seed the media with disinformation and distortion, as they most certainly will continue to do.' He saw the important role the media would play in impending operations and challenged his commanders to make certain that reporters were right up front with the troops. The policy was a resounding success. Once the first phase of the operation ended, however, the media/military relationship soured. The Stabilization and Security phase of the operation has been marked by constant, negative news features concerning the war. The dominant themes have been insurgent successes and the military's heavy-handedness. These themes have helped the cause of the insurgents, who are engaging in what is known as Fourth Generation Warfare. The United States is losing the media battle. To reverse this trend and counter the insurgents' advantages within the constructs of the Fourth Generation Warfare in which it is currently engaged, the military must discard its inherent distrust of the media, fully embrace the media by re-implementing the embedded media program of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and take full advantage of the alternative media outlets that have taken on an increasing role in shaping societal opinions.