“Radio Training” Part of US Handoff in Afghanistan

Imagine how my funny bone was tickled when I saw an article on npr.com entitled” U.S. Handoff In Afghanistan Includes Radio Training” (see: http://www.npr.org/2012/11/04/164205769/u-s-handoff-in-afghanistan-includes-radio-training).

The article describes the “Radio in a box” concept where by the Afghan Army helps to broadcast political shows, music and messages according to the article. There is even a new job title in the Afghan Army, “Information Dissemination Officer”. In addition to active participation in the messaging cycle, the IDO is also responsible for propaganda analysis and other related tasks.

Given the nature of what is being broadcast, one would have to conclude that the US/NATO equivalent would have to be MISO, InfoOps or PSYOPs depending on which force you are talking to.

What is even more interesting is that the IO of the 173^rd Airborne Bde BCT appears to be the coach for the operation. The fact that the BCT can muster such an individual and an 04 to boot is commendable.

Interestingly I suspect that the Afghans will face many of the same challenges with their new mission as those forces with more mature MISO capabilities. Getting the buy in and support of Commanders up the chain and insuring that the political masters aren’t offended at the same time are no easy tasks.

Of course the new information disseminators are faced with the same challenge as the rest of us – how do we know when our message is being effective?

In another Afghanistan related development, I am pleased to announce that the 15 (UK) Psychological Operations Group has been awarded the prestigious Firmin Sword of Peace by the Ministry of Defence (see http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/FirminSwordOfPeaceAwardedTo15ukPsychologicalOperationsGroup.htm?goback=.gmp_910477.gde_910477_member_179222180).

A hearty cheer to our UK colleagues!