JP 3-07 Joint Doctrine For Military Operations Other Than War

Chapter IIlegitimate based on the perceived threatposed by Iraq’s actions. The Kurdishpopulation welcomed the assistance andsecurity provided by the operation. Theforces involved in the operation alsoperceive it as legitimate. As a furtherevidence of legitimacy, continuation ofOperation PROVIDE COMFORT isendorsed by the Turkish parliament everysix months. Perceptions by the variouselements involved are interdependent.Three factors contribute to the overallsense of legitimacy: a consistentdemonstration of restraint, risk to USpersonnel has been kept to the minimumessential for mission accomplishment, andtangible evidence of successfully aiding theKurds. Furthermore the role of the JointPsychological Operations Task Force inlegitimizing the military effort in NorthernIraq through well-planned and executedinformation management was aninstrumental element of national powerprojection. Aggressive informationmanagement on the international levelis absolutely necessary in influencingworld political opinion and legitimizing USefforts in MOOTW.4. ConclusionMOOTW principles are an extension ofwarfighting doctrine. Embodied in theseprinciples is the dominance of politicalobjectives at all levels of MOOTW.Application of these principles helpsensure success and minimize losses byfocusing on aspects of MOOTW thatdeserve careful consideration. When theseprinciples are ignored, JFCs increase therisk to their forces and the possibility offailure.II-8Joint Pub 3-07