Operational Environment Essay

Assessments and having a clear understanding of the operational environment (OE) is extremely important. Political, Military, Economic, Social, Information, Infrastructure, Physical environment, and Time (PMESII-PT) are operational variables that provide a basis for looking at the OE. Of the eight operational variables Information is arguably one of the most significant; more than ever when discussing the country of North Korea.

ADRP 3-0 describes “Operational variables are those aspects of an operational environment, both military and nonmilitary, that may differ from one operational area to another and affect operations. Operational variables describe not only the military aspects of an operational environment but also the population’s

Korean population in relatively new however, online services for both individuals and institutions are provided through a free domestic-only network known as Kwangmyong. Global Internet is limited to a very small community; mostly government related individuals, and personnel that need access to the more robust global information internet, but are still regulated by their government. There is only one internet service provider allowed to provide Internet connection in North Korea, known as the Star Joint Venture Company. By limiting the populations ability to gain access to the World Wide Web, positive control is achieved; and the capability to influence the population can be achieved or greatly enhanced. From an Operational perspective it creates both positive and negative advantages for the opposing force. Knowing that the population is limited to what can be viewed on the internal internet system; the opposing force is limited to how Information is received for the Information Operations campaign, or to inform the population of possible military actions. Currently North Koreas government spreads propaganda through social networks, promote their agenda on the internet, and even deny their people the ability to communicate outside of the country as part of their Information Operations

There are three AM radio stations in North Korea being broadcasted out of Pyongyang. All three networks have stations in major cities and offer local programming for their specific area of broadcast. Radios in North Korea have been modified to only receive the radio stations within the country. To the extent that visitors are not allowed to bring a radio into the country and expose the population of North Korea to South Korean radio. “Depending on where you live in the world, your ability to hear the (relatively weak) Voice of Korea will vary. If you live in the Asia/Pacific region, the station is very audible.” (SWLing, 2013) As discussed within the internet capabilities, radios are also used to broadcast Propaganda. The fact that opposing forces have the ability to jam, broadcast, or destroy the stations can be used against them. This form of broadcasting and receiving information can be used against North Korea, in an attempt to inform the North Korean population, or deny the Government the ability to use