From the Knowledge of Understanding to Military Deception, 2008 May 22
Information
Date
2008 May 22
Summary
Military deception is as old as war itself and it adheres to a logical process. This monograph explores how an increased understanding of pattern recognition as part of human decision-making can enhance the effectiveness of military deception operations. Before one can exercise the art of military deception, one must understand the science of it. One can find the science of military deception in the way that people make decisions. Therefore, we first have to investigate how humans make decisions. One of the prerequisites involved in decision-making is the fact that you need to have knowledge about the issue upon which you are about to decide. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the subject and theory of knowledge. This exploration leads us to ask three questions. First, how do we acquire knowledge? When we have acquired knowledge, how do we retain it? Finally, how do we use knowledge? This last question leads us back to decision-making. After the exploration of the theory, I sought to establish a causal relationship between pattern recognition and decision-making. Experimental research could lead to a validation of the theory. In the experiment, I tried to cause a decrease in ambiguity and therefore facilitate erroneous orientation of the decision-maker. I expected that this would make him decisive, certain, and wrong. However, according to statistics the experiment does not show conclusive evidence that previous experiences influence people in making decisions. However, there is strong evidence that indicate a relationship. Further research with a larger sample size might show a significant statistical relationship. In order to let military practitioners rise above the subconscious level of the science of military deception, it is necessary to provide them education and training. It is therefore necessary to implement this subject into relevant military doctrine and into the curriculum of military education. An appreciation of the science of military deception will provide the professional soldier the tools to apply the art of military deception. Give the soldiers the tools, enable them to create a story that fits the experience of the target and surprise him. By doing this, victory is more likely to be on our side.
Archival processing title
From the Knowledge of Understanding to Military Deception