08 September 2021

Should Cyber And Propaganda Be A Military Mission?

The Marines and other armed services are pushing to emphasize the importance on information, communication with the general public, and "cyber-warfare" in future conflicts. 

In general, I don't disagree that these are important issues for the government when it is in conflicts to deal with.

But, I question whether active duty military personnel are the people best suited to deal with this issues, and whether characterizing these issues as military is fruitful.

Why, for example, shouldn't cyber-warfare be primarily the responsibility of civilian agencies dealing with commercial internet traffic? 

Why are soldiers better suited to do this work than civilians? 

Why should communications with the general public in foreign lands not be primarily the responsibility of diplomats and politicians?

I haven't seen good answer to these foundational questions.

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