TRADOC Pam 525-3-7-01 - TRADOC - U.S. Army

TRADOC Pam 525-3-7-01Chapter 2Operational Environment (OE)—Global and Domestic2-1. IntroductionWhile there may be debate as to the nature and extent of change occurring in thecontemporary OE, there is little doubt that it is changing. This chapter outlines the major trendsshaping the future OE, discussing their manifestation in both the global and the domesticenvironments, and examining the challenges these environments place upon the humandimension. Though the U.S. may not feel the full impact of these trends until the years 2025 andbeyond, their influence is shaping the contemporary OE as well as the future OE addressed in thisstudy (2015-2024). As it changes, the OE inevitably influences the human dimension and viceversa. The characteristics of the components of the human dimension—moral, physical, andcognitive—dictate the decisions and choices people make as they interact with their environment,individually and collectively. These decisions and choices define the nature and the character ofchange in the environment. As this change defines the future OE, it will in turn influence thecomponents of the human dimension. It is in the interest of man to shape and control that changeto the ultimate benefit of humankind, while minimizing negative impacts. Many of the trendsobserved today—population growth, climate change, depletion of natural resources amongthem—are difficult to predict with any degree of certainty into 2020 and later. These trends helpdefine the challenges the Army will face in the future. Uncertainty and the potential to besurprised only reinforce the need for adaptable, imaginative, and innovative Soldiers.The domestic environment from which Soldiers are drawn is also changing. Immigration,education, and economics are all affecting the physical, moral, and cognitive norms of society.The Army must anticipate these changes and develop the tools, processes, and programs that willallow it to recruit the future Soldier, educate and train the Soldier, and prepare that Soldiermorally and ethically to fight and win the Nation’s wars. Experts cannot precisely predict theextent of domestic and global OE change, but predict significant change in any case. Thismandates a change in the ways and means by which the Army staffs, trains, and employs theArmy. This chapter identifies the impact that the future OE has on the human dimension and therequirements, capabilities, and considerations of the human element interacting with thatenvironment.2-2. The Joint Operational Environment (JOE)Joint Publication 3.0 defines the OE as:...the composite of the conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect theemployment of capabilities and bear on the decisions of the commander. Itencompasses physical areas and factors (of the air, land, maritime, and spacedomains) and the information environment. Included within these are theadversary, friendly, and neutral systems that are relevant to a specific jointoperation.29