Monday, December 28, 2009

Milblogging, ad-hoc cyber militia and science

I read an paper by Sean Lawson, about the debate and conflict [pdf] between the US Army and the Milblogging community (servicemembers who blog about their experience in the military, including combat reports).

While the article focuses on the blogging servicemen, we should also make a note that the same tool is available to everyone. This spontaneous "online, volunteer public affairs or information operations corps" would be a perfect rallying tool for an ad-hoc cyber militia. Consider, that there are numerous blogs on controversial issues (including pro and contra sides for each), which typically have a steady readership, even if it is small. All it takes is for the blogger to post a rally cry (and some instructions) and an ad-hoc cyber militia is formed and ready for action.

Members of such a group are pre(self)selected and have strong feelings about the issue. Therefore, they probably need very little persuasion to join up.

If you have the time and the interest, there is also a link to his Doctoral Dissertation on his web site. It gives a good overview of the development of the science of war, explaining the heritage of terms such as OODA loop and netcentric warfare, as well as providing an overview of the relation between US military and the scientific community. Interesting to read. Nearly 400 pages, however, so be warned.

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you found the article and dissertation useful. Did you also see the paper I wrote several years ago on the 2001 "cyber-intifada?" You might also find that one interesting.

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