text: Operational Environment of Counterinsurgency
  community perceives its cause and events within their operational environment. To achieve this, they try to
  control, manipulate, and distribute information.
  1-25. Understanding the existing communication system is important because it influences local,
  regional, national, and international audiences. Media coverage, in particular, influences US political
  decision-making, popular opinion, and the sensitivities of coalition members, while the local teahouse may
  control the community’s opinion and the “word on the street.” Commanders must use information
  engagements to fully achieve their tactical goals.
  1-26. Insurgents observe the actions of both government and COIN forces. Insurgents often use
  propaganda to gain creditability and legitimacy with the population, while simultaneously undermining
  their opponents. Successful insurgents strive to seize the moral high ground on any counterinsurgent
  mistakes, both real and perceived. This includes political, military, economic, social, religious, cultural,
  or legal errors. They will use all available means, including the media, nongovernmental organizations,
  and religious and civic leaders, to get their information out to all audiences.
  INFRASTRUCTURE
  1-27. The infrastructure variable includes the basic facilities, services, and installations needed for a
  community or society to function. The state of the infrastructure determines the resources required
  for reconstruction. Typical key infrastructure includes sewers, water, electrical, academic, trash, medical
  facilities, safety, and other considerations (also known as SWEAT-MSO). The degradation or destruction
  of infrastructure will negatively affect both the Host Nation and its population. Thus, the degradation
  or destruction of infrastructure often helps the insurgency, especially with respect to propaganda and the
  population’s perception of the HN.
  PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
  1-28. The physical environment variable is often the most noticeable aspect of an operational
  environment. Terrain affects people, equipment, trafficability, visibility, and the employment of many
  weapons. The terrain aspects of each area of operations must be evaluated to determine the impact on both
  insurgent and counterinsurgent forces. For COIN operations, terrain is categorized as either rural or urban.
  Weather and climate influence insurgents, the population, and counterinsurgents, who analyze the weather
  to determine its effect on the population’s well-being and operations. They pay particular attention to
  trafficability, visibility, and equipment. Despite weather extremes, most insurgents have an advantage,
  since they are usually native to the climate.
  TIME
  1-29. Time affects everything and influences all decisions. However, the population, the
  counterinsurgent, and the insurgent often view time differently. Insurgents may design operations with the
  intent to influence the American political process or elections. In contrast, counterinsurgents must
  understand that popular support for extended operations may diminish over time. Figure 1-1 shows the
  difference between a western counterinsurgent’s and an insurgent’s perspective of time.