Exploring Tactical Narratives and Interdisciplinary Influence

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association.

During this episode, Kay Nissen discusses her Army’s Command and General Staff College thesis entitled: Second Mover Advantage In The Military Information Environment. This thesis examines second-mover advantage theory within the military information environment. It aims to offer military planners alternative strategies beyond the traditional emphasis on seizing the initiative, proposing a secondary response framework. The research explores how to create a second-mover advantage, focusing on response timing and type through a mixed-methods approach.

The conversation also touched on the challenges of implementing theories in practice, the importance of cooperative partners, consistency, and information tempo, and the potential research areas in this field.

Recording Date: 8 Nov 2024

Research Questions: Kay Nissen suggests interested students examine: 

• What makes a cooperative partner in order to create a second mover advantage?
• How does information tempo compare to influence timing?
• How do second mover advantages appear in different information functions?

Resources:

• Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned
  • #190 Army Command and General Staff Information Advantage Scholars Symposium
  • #195 Michael Zequeira on the Effects of Social Media on Military Recruiting
  • #205 Nick Loui on Transforming Chaotic Data into Actionable Intelligence
• Kay Nissen’s thesis: Second Mover Advantage In The Military Information Environment will be available here
• Rebels to Reels: A biography of Combat Cameraman Daniel A. McGovern USAF by Joseph McCabe
• Nobody Is Coming to Save You: A Green Beret's Guide to Getting Big Sh*t Done Hardcover by Scott Mann

Link to full show notes and resources

Guest Bio: 

Maj. Kay M. Nissen is the commander, 2d Audiovisual Squadron, at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. As the commander, she oversees the squadron’s mission to create effective audiovisual productions on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense. She is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping Total Force Airmen and Government Service civilians to operate an Air Force level production center and employ the Air Force’s only live broadcast truck.

Maj. Nissen received her commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in May of 2011. She has served as a public affairs officer for both fighter and airlift wings, as well as in support of NATO and Major Command staffs. She has also deployed as a media engagements officer for the NATO Resolute Support mission in Kabul, Afghanistan, and as a Chief of Public Affairs for the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing in the United Arab Emirates. Prior to this position, Maj. Nissen was a student and Information Advantage Scholar at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain.

For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org.

Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn.

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