The Media and the Military Commander: How Does the Media Affect Operational Outcomes?

Public opinion has been recognized as an influential force on the battlefield since Napoleon’s days as a commander. Clausewitz refers to the triangle of power as the people, the military, and the government1. Clausewitz’s insight from over 100 years ago holds truer today than ever before. With the evolution of the media, starting in Vietnam, commanders have had to face the challenge of directing the battlefield while a global audience watched. People now watch wars in real time. This pressure on the commander directly affects his ability to make timely and pertinent decisions. Knowing that the entire world is watching every troop movement and battle will cause some commanders to hesitate before committing themselves to action.2 Commanders are not allowed the leniency they once had as they orchestrated their battles. As technology has increased allowing satellite phones and television cameras with live feeds, commanders have had to realize that the media is now a part of their battlefield and must be included in the planning and execution of operations.

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