Human Terrain System
The Human Terrain System (HTS) is a United States army led scheme supported by the Office of the Secretary of Defence. It aims to provide a socio-cultural understanding in conflict areas where the US military operates.[1] Socio-cultural teams are provided by the HTS to the following units of the United States:
· Army Brigade Combat Team (BCT)
· USMC Regimental Combat Team (RCT)
· Army Division / Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF)
The creation of the HTS was overseen by the Foreign Military Studies office to address a lack of cultural knowledge which hindered the capabilities of the US army. The need for such a programme is cited as being that any successes the United States has seen in any given area is related to both an understanding and respect of the culture of that area.[2]
Criticism has been made regarding the conflict which arises regarding the ethics of anthropologists associated with the initiative.[3] Other controversies associated with the HTS include a contractor being accused of spying for Saddam Hussein in 2008[4] and an employee of HTS; Issa Salomi being kidnapped in 2010. [5]
Steve Fondacaro, the co-founder and manager of the HTS was ousted from the programme in 2009, however the reason for his departure was not disclosed.[6]
Notes
- ↑ "Welcome to the HTS Home Page", Human Terrain System, accessed 17 November 2010.
- ↑ "The Human Terrain System: a CORDS for the 21st Century", DITC Online, accessed 17 November 2010.
- ↑ "US army enlists anthropologists, 16th October, 2007", BBC News, accessed 17 November 2010.
- ↑ "Accused 'Human Terrain' Spy Free on Bond", Wired Danger Room, accessed 17 November 2010.
- ↑ "Iraqi Insurgents Capture Human Terrain Team Member Issa T. Salomi, 7th February 2010", John Stanton, Cryptome, accessed 17 November 2010.
- ↑ "'Human Terrain' Chief Ousted", Wired Danger Room, accessed 17 November 2010.
