The Tribal Configuration Matrix
Editor's Note: in many small wars situations, it is impossible to over-estimate
the value of intimate local knowledge or to replicate thorough local cultural understanding.
However, just because we'll never get it perfect doesn't mean you can't get it better.
Here's how one unit expanded and applied their local knowledge. Consider these techniques
as a force multiplier (+/- quality control?) for your local SMEs.
The Tribal Configuration Matrix
by Jeffrey A. Sinclair, Colonel US Army, Bud P. Cook, Ph.D., and Hamad Abdelnour,
BS/EE
Download the full article:
Tribal Configuration Matrix
Nearly every military commander in Iraq and Afghanistan developed some form of
process to analyze indigenous populations to determine agendas and motivations in
geographical centers tied to security. In the past five years success in this effort
has been mixed based upon the level of violence in any given area and often the
level of experience and talent among ground forces or the analysts that support
their efforts.
In 2008 I was introduced to a unique tool in the early development phase by my
assigned Human Terrain Team. This data call system known as the Tribal Configuration
Matrix (TCM) established the first documented baseline for effects based operations
in our Brigade’s Operational Environment. This tribal network tool resulted in a
reconfiguration of the brigade staff to full time effects groups focused on tribal
networks in lethal and non-lethal targeting, the new Rule of Law, and political
party influences under the recently elected provincial governments. The unique understanding
of the sub-tribal powers and their relationships allowed the brigade to rapidly
shift from COIN to Foreign Internal Defense and cement the gains of the previous
five years through functional relationships with tribal and institutional leaders.
Download the full article:
Tribal Configuration Matrix
Col. Jeffrey A. Sinclair is the Commanding Officer of the 172nd Infantry Brigade
headquartered in Grafenwohr Germany. He has served in Afghanistan and Iraq
as a Task Force and Brigade Combat Team Commander.
Bud P. Cook, Ph.D. is a former Human Terrain Team Social Scientist assigned
to the 172nd Infantry Brigade at FOB Kalsu Iraq. He is currently a Senior
Social Scientist with Tech Project Inc.
Hamad Abdelnour is a Human Terrain Team Research Manager and is currently
OCONUS.
