U.S. Army Operational Environment Notes

Flashcards focusing on key terminology and concepts from the U.S. Army Operational Environment lecture notes.

Operational Environment (OE)

A composite of the conditions, circumstances, and influences affecting the employment of military capabilities.

Socio-Cultural Understanding (SCU)

Essential knowledge of socio-cultural factors in an operational environment that informs and influences human behavior.

Hybrid Threat

Diverse and dynamic combinations of two or more regular and/or irregular forces or criminal elements unified in purpose.

Non-State Actors

Entities that are not affiliated with any state government but can disrupt or negatively affect military missions.

Multi-Domain Warfare

Military operations that include physical areas such as air, land, maritime, space, and cyberspace along with the information environment.

PMESII-PT

Political, Military, Economic, Social, Information, Infrastructure, Physical Environment, and Time; the eight operational variables within an operational environment.

Future OE Impacts

Trends affecting operational environments include advances in technology, changing demographics, and competition for resources.

Non-Combatant

An individual in an area of combat operations who is not armed and not participating in any activity supporting any factions or forces involved in combat.

Transnational Corporations

Companies operating across national borders; may influence regional affairs for economic gain.

Private Security Organizations (PSOs)

Business entities that provide security services and can sometimes operate in an adversarial capacity in operational environments.

Media Influence

The impact of media personnel on public opinion and their potential roles in strategic interactions.

State Actors

Nation-states involved in threats such as Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.

Non-State Rogue Actors

Groups such as terrorists and insurgents that disrupt stability and can influence military operations.

Environmental Risks

Threats associated with natural disasters or hazardous situations impacting operational effectiveness.

Hybrid Warfare

A method of warfare that blends conventional and unconventional tactics to achieve strategic objectives.