Deployed Teams: Operational need and combatant command (COCOM) requirements determine
quantity and type of deployable teams. The number of teams can be increased
or decreased based on the operational demands from the COCOMs; they are
formed and deployed as needed (i.e., they are not permanent structure).
COCOM demands must be validated and funded each year.
Human
Terrain Teams (HTT)
Human Terrain Teams (HTT). HTTs are located at the
brigade/regimental-level (BCT/RCT). Fully integrated into unit staffs, HTTs
conduct field research among the local population and represent the "human
terrain" in planning, preparation, execution, and assessment of operations.
Consists of five to six military and civilian personnel. A team includes one
team leader, one-two social scientists, one research manager, and one-two
human terrain analysts with specific local knowledge. When possible, teams
are deployed with at least one female to facilitate access to the often
inaccessible female element of the population.
Human
Terrain Analysis Teams (HTAT)
HTAT are deployed to support
echelons above BCT/RCT (i.e., Division, Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), &
Regional Command levels). The HTAT integrates into the commander's staff,
conducts unclassified open source and field research, synthesizes the
information from HTTs deployed with subordinate units, and analyzes human
terrain information in support of the commander's military decision making
process (MDMP). HTATs consist of five to seven military and civilian
personnel. A team includes a team leader, one to two social scientists,
one-two research managers, and one-two human terrain analysts.
Theater
Coordination Elements (TCE)
The TCE, found at the theater
level in Afghanistan (and previously in Iraq); consists of six to eight
military and civilian personnel. The TCE includes one team leader, three
social scientists, one to two research managers, and one-two human terrain
analysts. The TCE provides socio-cultural support to the theater staff and
decision makers and coordinates and manages the social science research and
analysis (SSRA) capability.
Theater
Support Office (TSO)
Used at theater level in Iraq and
Afghanistan, provides administrative and logistics support to HTS teams in
theater. It includes a theater support officer and a support team of
variable size.
Social
Science Research & Analysis (SSRA)
Social Science Research & Analysis (SSRA): HTS contracts for SSRA
support in theater. Based on supported unit information needs, the TCE tasks
the SSRA to develop a research plan. SSRA uses trained, indigenous polling
organizations and SMEs to gather data through polls, surveys,
semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussion. SSRA provides
reports to the TCE for dissemination throughout theater.