For all those accusing the government of lying to the public, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is trying to clear this belief. In a press release, he insisted The Office of Strategic Influence is not seeking to misinform.
He informed the public the Pentagon is not lying to the media, but they will take part in “strategic or tactical deception.”
Rumsfeld defended the department’s position by making the comparison to General Eisenhower creating activity which eventually led the Germans to believe they were landing at Calais. However, Eisenhower was planning to land elsewhere.
Rumsfeld professes this “strategic influence or information operations” is not lying.
Dr. Jim Redmond, professor and chair of the Journalism Department, said, “It is in the best interest of the Pentagon to be perceived as truthful.”
However, Redmond also stated, “It is smart to mislead your enemies. It is their (Pentagon) job to minimize casualties.”
Redmond’s statement is in direct support of the famous adage, “The first casualty of war is truth.”
“The Pentagon is supposed to protect us period,” said Redmond. “They must win. This is life or death. War is messy.”
Redmond believes Rumsfeld is stating what has been going on for years in the military. News and information about military action can seriously affect the opposition.
Dr. Rick Fischer, a professor in the journalism department, gave a comparison to simplify the actions of the Pentagon.
“When our Tiger basketball team goes on the court, they fake like they are going in one direction and then pass in the other direction and score,” Fischer said. “Many people would hate to hear this or say this, but war is like a game. War requires deception if we want to survive.”
This new strategic influence department has caused the media to question the validity of statements from the Pentagon. Accusations have been made claiming deception is not just for military protection, but also to boost public support for the war on terrorism.
Fischer says this decision is just a part of historical precedent to protect our country.
