A Study of the Imam Ali University Cadets Knowledge and Perceptions of the Nature and Various Dimensions of Soft War

Following the drastic developments at global levels and increase in the material and spiritual expenses of resorting to hard war, tendency to soft war, has gained momentum. In fact, one of the main factors contributing to authority and security and protecting and sustaining them is the extend to which the cadets (as the officers of soft war) possess the knowledge of the nature and various dimensions of hard war. Lack of the knowledge is hazardous in that it encourages the invasion of foreigners and enemies beliefs against the belief and thought system of our military forces. To this end, this study as a "descriptive-field" study in nature, objectives and methodology, aims too investigate extent of the knowledge and perceptions of the cadets as to the nature and various dimensions of soft war. Both questionnaire and library resources were used. The findings reveal that the cadets enjoy a very good level of the knowledge and perception such that 60.6 percent of respondents are at the very highest level of awareness. Factors such as "observation of Quranic and shiat Imam's models" "belief in Velayat and binding to it" giving insight and seeking for insight" "faith and ethic have had the highest frequency in struggling the enemy's soft war. Meanwhile, TV has produced the highest effect while library and exploiting written resources and information centers of the university have played the least effective role in raising knowledge and awareness. In this regard, what is more expected from the cadets is that while sustaining and taking the advantages of the Islamic principles, Quran, following the holy prophet and innocent Imams and Obeying Velayat, as well as through improving their knowledge insight, faith and ethic in a bid to fight soft war and neutralize the enemy's efforts, they can always try and increase their knowledge and strength