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HTS Developmental History
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Developmental History
- Proof of Concept: In early 2006 TRADOC G2, supported by JIEDDO, responded to this operational need by developing an initial concept to provide social science support to military operations. Human Terrain Teams (HTTs), composed of individuals with social science and operational backgrounds, would be deployed with tactical units to assist in bringing knowledge about the local population into a coherent analytic framework, in order to provide advice to Commanders and staffs in the field. This initial concept was approved and funded by JIEDDO for implementation as a Proof of Concept in June 2006.
The Proof of Concept was funded to provide two HTTs to Afghanistan and three HTTs to Iraq between 2007 and 2008, supported directly by a CONUS Reach-back Research Center (RRC) and a Subject Matter Expert network (SME Net) of contacts within the government and academic community (e.g. Naval Postgraduate School, war colleges, service academies, and various civilian institutions). The first Afghan HTT deployed in Feb 07 with 4th BCT, 82d Airborne Div.
- Transition to full support of Two Combat Theaters: As the first team was deploying into Afghanistan, OSD and Army G2 were planning how Human Terrain capabilities could support the surge in Iraq. Meanwhile, the commands in both Iraq and Afghanistan developed JUONS requesting Human Terrain Teams (a total of 26 teams in the two theaters). The April 07 JUONS were validated by CENTCOM & the Joint Staff, then funded by the Joint Rapid Acquisition Council (JRAC) for FY07&08.
HTS spent FY07 ramping up recruiting, training, deployments, and sustainment to meet this expanded operational requirement. During FY07, HTS deployed new and sustained existing teams in theater; the 26th team deployed in Nov 08. Also in 2008, both theaters refined and adjusted their requirements (for team types and echelons) which re-validated a 26 team total. Two additional new requirements increased the team total for 28 teams. Iraq declared HTS capabilities an enduring requirement for the duration of combat mission.
- Drawdown in Iraq, Surge in Afghanistan: In FY09, Iraq adjusted its requirement based on the drawdown, and in FY10 Afghanistan increased its requirement based on the directed surge. The FY 11 HTT aggregate demand is 41 teams (31 teams in Afghanistan; 10 in Iraq). As of end of 2d Qtr, FY11, HTS has met the Request for Forces requirement of 31 teams in Afghanistan, and is withdrawing teams from Iraq in 3d & 4th Quarter.
- HTS Support to NATO & ISAF in Afghanistan: HTS supported the NATO survey in Afghanistan that identified human terrain information gathering and information sharing requirements. Based on a prioritized support list from ISAF CJ2, HTS supports NATO regional HQs, NATO BCTs, and coalition Provisional Reconstruction Teams. HTS deployed teams also supported development of the CENTCOM AFP Tribal Knowledge Database.
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