The Human Domain and Influence Operations in the 21st Century

Human Aspects of Air Force Operations: The Roles of Social, Cultural, and Political Knowledge and Skills in the Full Spectrum of Multidomain Operations

“…Similarly, although it does not have an easily identifiable physical space, computers and internet access are central to the cyberspace domain, and cyberspace operators are required to ensure effective functioning within the cyber domain (Allen and Gilbert, 2009). The human domain might place less emphasis on physical spaces or equipment, instead focusing on the skills necessary to maneuver across the human terrain and interact with others, which might require individuals with extensive training in the behavioral and social sciences (Gregg, 2016).…”

“…The existence of, or potential for the existence of, opposing forces operating within the domain is another characteristic of warfighting domains (Allen and Gilbert, 2009;Denning, 2015;Hollon, 2012). In a human domain, this might involve combatants informing and influencing individuals and groups to operate as adversaries against the United States and its allies, with the United States operating its own influence campaigns (Gregg, 2016;Schnell, 2014).…”

“…For example, in the air domain, this encompasses the ability for one actor or group of actors to hold air superiority. In the human domain, control and influence has been conceptualized as the ability for an entity to more effectively influence certain individuals and groups than another entity (Gregg, 2016).…”