Principles of Information Operations

<p>This monograph seeks to discover whether or not existing U.S. Russian and Chinese doctrine and theory can provide the sought after guidance on combining IO elements. The answer is yes. An analysis of all three nations'; writings on IO and synthesis of the related ideas shows they do offer potential solutions to the problem. These solutions are offered as recommended improvements to the ongoing Army IO doctrine debate. The monograph subscribes to the idea that IO is an integrating strategy relating means to ends. Combining the elements is the essential part of this strategy and must be guided by six principles. First commanders and staffs must understand and leverage all three domains of IO: physical cognitive and information. Second they must use a systems approach to understand the environment. Third commanders and staffs must use an effects based approach for relating means to ends and for recognizing the outcomes of actions both desirable and undesirable. Fourth they must use analogues to develop targets. Fifth commanders and staffs must arrange IO activities in time space and purpose to mass effects. Sixth they must leverage ISR to support planning preparing executing and assessing IO. In making the case for these principles the monograph covers several key areas. It discusses the IO environment in relation to the problem. It explains the three domains provides a basic understanding of open systems and shows how applying an effects-based methodology to IO can benefit the Army. Several models are also proposed to assist in target selection and arranging IO activities in time space and purpose. Overall the monograph offers concrete recommendations for how to think about combining the IO elements (and related activities) which is the heart of IO as an integrating strategy. Adopting the recommended principles can help the Army conduct IO more effectively. With effective IO the Army is much more likely to be decisive in all its missions.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>