Using the Targeting Process to Synchronize Information Operations at the Tactical Level

<p>The U.S. Army's new capstone doctrine Field Manual (FM) 3-0 Operations recognizes that information is a powerful weapon in the conduct of full-spectrum operations. Like other weapons the effects of information must be synchronized with the effects of other systems to produce optimal results. Unfortunately current U.S. Army doctrine does not provide a single coherent method for integrating the effects of maneuver fires and information. This monograph seeks to remedy that flaw by analyzing the utility of the targeting process as a means of synchronizing information with the other elements of combat power at the tactical level. The decide-detect-deliver-assess (D3A) methodology of the targeting process is a useful conceptual tool for synchronizing effects on hostile forces. However in practice the targeting process contains a bias towards lethal effects. With minor modifications the targeting process could become a far more effective synchronization tool. The most important doctrinal modification required to target information effectively is to fully integrate the targeting process into the military decision making process (MDMP). Current U.S. Army doctrine does not make clear the scope of the targeting process or the relationship between the targeting process and the MDMP. These flaws often lead to a targeting process that is too ‘fires-centric.' This monograph remedies these flaws by providing a framework that fully integrates the ‘effects based' targeting process into the MDMP. A second important doctrinal modification required to target information effectively is the development of a single doctrinal lexicon that applies to the effects generated by maneuver fires and information. U.S. Army doctrine currently permits each of these elements of combat power to have its own language of effects. This flaw often leads to confusion as battlefield operating system (BOS) representatives use the same words to describe different effects or different words to desc</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><br>