What does Human terrain training involve?
All HTS deployable personnel train in Leavenworth, KS. Baseline training for deploying personnel consists of approximately 4 1/2 months of instruction on the following subjects: area-specific orientation training; field research methods and techniques; military staff planning and procedures; and MAP-HT Toolkit use. Training culminates in a Capstone Exercise intended to simulate how HTTs plan and operate in support of a deployed brigade.
If I join an HTT, how long is the deployment?
Following training and pre-deployment activities, deployments are 270 days in theater.
Is the HTT designed to target individuals or groups?
No. HTS does not directly assist in lethal targeting. HTS helps supported units and organizations understand the evolving socio-cultural environment and considerations, with special focus on the local population, thereby refining decision making across a broad spectrum.
Are HTS personnel able to write about their experiences?
Yes. HTS members can write about their experiences, subject to review and approval by Army security and public affairs.
Do deployed HTS personnel have to carry a weapon?
Military personnel assigned to a deployed team are required to carry their issued weapon at all times. Deployed civilian team members are issued weapons at their discretion and the discretion of the supported unit. Prior to weapons issue, all personnel must be range qualified with their assigned weapons.
If an HTS researcher carries a weapon, does that imply voluntary informed consent is not possible?
In a non-permissive environment, the assumption that the presence of weapons automatically carries with it the threat of coercive force is incorrect. Weapons, if carried, are for self defense. Informed consent is provided by each HTS researcher to the interviewee and the interviewee is able and capable of providing consent or denial of consent.
What are the physical requirements I must meet to join a team?
Deploying personnel must be in good health and pass a physical examination before deployment.
Do I have to be a US citizen to be a member of HTS?
Yes. To be eligible for a security clearance, HTS personnel must be US citizens.
Will I have to obtain a security clearance and what does that involve?” (are there any positions that do not require a clearance?)
All HTS personnel, military and civilian, are required to obtain a security clearance. In order to be granted a security clearance, applicants must undergo a background investigation, which involves a disclosure of professional, residential, and personal information for the past seven years.
Is HTS an applied anthropology program?
HTS is not an applied anthropology program. HTS conducts operationally relevant socio-cultural research and analysis, utilyzing multiple social science disciplines and operational skill sets.
What are the Army’s plans to institutionalize the Human Terrain System (HTS) program?
The Army has institutionalized the Human Terrain System (HTS) as an enduring capability assigned to TRADOC. In March 2009, the Army approved the HTS Concept Plan with authorized personnel. In OCT 2010, the Army funded the HTS enduring (force generation) capability starting in the FY 11-15 POM (base budget). The FY 11 Army Campaign Plan includes operating and sustaining Human Terrain System Teams as an assigned task.
Is HTS an intelligence capability?
HTS receives intelligence funding and oversight from both USDI and DA G2 and is categorized as Intelligence support activity. In support of operations in Afghanistan, HTS is a part of the ISAF J2 civil-military information program and serves as an intelligence enabling capability at all levels of operation.
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