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Read. Follow. Verify.Hearing on Hybrid Warfare and National Security Challenges
Record date · January 1, 2017
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What This Bill Does
The House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on March 22, 2017, to discuss the evolution of ''—a mix of unconventional tactics like cyberattacks, influence operations, and political interference used by foreign nations. The committee examined how these tactics challenge traditional U.S. military doctrines that distinguish clearly between states of war and peace.
This hearing informs potential changes to U.S. military doctrine and national security capabilities to better counter non-traditional threats from foreign adversaries.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
U.S. Military
The military may be required to adapt its doctrine and capabilities to counter unconventional threats.
Foreign Adversaries (Russia, China, Iran)
These nations are identified as the primary users of the hybrid tactics being investigated by the committee.
Key Facts
- The hearing took place on March 22, 2017, in the Rayburn House Office Building.
- The committee defined hybrid warfare as the use of centrally directed instruments of power—including cyber activity, media influence, and non-uniformed personnel—to achieve objectives below the threshold of traditional war.
- The Chairman identified Russia, China, and Iran as nations currently utilizing these hybrid tactics.
- The committee aims to develop new U.S. capabilities to counter these unconventional threats.
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- The hearing included testimony from experts representing the RAND Corporation, National Defense University, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hybrid warfare?
Why is the committee concerned about these tactics?
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Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Shift in Military Doctrine
The committee explicitly acknowledges that U.S. military doctrine is currently ill-equipped for 'gray zone' conflicts, signaling a potential long-term shift in defense policy.
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