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1. Paper id: 849 2. Password: f71542

MILITARY OPERATIONS AND THE HUMAN TERRAIN CHALLENGE ABSTRACT The Human Terrain seems to be the main characteristic of the modern asymmetric conflicts. If previous operations relayed on physical terrain with its multiple features as main subject of intelligence preparation of the battlefield, the environment of actual military involvements is largely linked with the social and human nature. Understanding the impact of population and culture on operational decisions is crucial for achieving military success while minimizing collateral loss. Thus, this is a logical adapting process of specifically approaching the human environment by military (environment metaphorically identified as terrain, in order to emphasize the shift of the centre of gravity toward populace at the expense of the traditional concept of battlefield). Key terms: Human Terrain; military; human environment; asymmetric conflict The civil inference with military operations is a multidimensional challenge. Opponents -due to evident tactical and operational advantages - focus on urban guerrilla fighting. Inhabited areas are extensively used for recruiting or serve as logistic base; local population can also be used as human shield. Insurgents themselves can easily dissimulate their presence amongst innocent civilians and escape confrontation with superior forces. By the other hand, mentality and socio-cultural background is another important feature of population supporting insurgent forces, even exposing themselves to be assimilated with opponent elements.

1. The Human Terrain concept and need of knowledge

2. The U.S. Armys Human Terrain Systems 3. Human Terrain and counterinsurgency operation 4. Human Terrain and Human Security implications

5. Conclusion