Human Geography Event

When Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) became a focal point for US Forces  it grew more essential to shift the way we approach enemy territories.  While adapting our strategies, one aspect that was previously overlooked came to the fore front: know  who you are fighting. Specifically, we look to personality profiles, daily schedules and routines, language, cultural identities, potential hideouts and places of cultural and religious significance. Truly understanding the enemy, how they differ from the civilian population they are embedded in and what will make our forces either comply with their culture or blend in as they do, will enable true force effectiveness in all current and future areas of operation.

As our troops return from the Middle East, we have to determine how to adapt these practices to other regions. The intelligence gained from human geographers is extremely beneficial and supported by many DoD offices. Case in point, just this year the US Military Intelligence Program is receiving $18 billion.  The Human Terrain System (HTS), just one aspect  of Human Geography, has an  annual operating budget exceeds $200 million and US CENTCOM is increasing the number of Human Terrain Teams from 22 to 31 in Afghanistan by the end of 2012.

Key areas of focus for this year’s event include:

• The intelligence needs of Human Terrain Teams (HTT) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT)
• Delivering socio-cultural situational awareness and training to supported units
• How trainers are designing the latest cultural and religious integration learning aids
• Lessons learned from OEF/OIF and applying these lesson to new regions
• Ensuring a knowledge base for first responders/marines/ground forces
• The future of Human Geography… 2012 and beyond

Attendees will have the opportunity to take part in continued discussions where debate, dialogue, and networking are encouraged.  By the end of the Human Geography Summit, attendees will understand where human geography and intelligence currently stand, the capabilities of the latest Human Terrain Systems (HTS) and the future of HUMINT.

keywords:  strategy, warfighting