Why the Air Force Can't Do Influence Operations

<p>The Air Force has articulated a robust mission set for Information Operations to include the subset operations designated as Influence Operations (IO). However unlike the more developed elements of the IO triad - electronic Warfare Operations and Network Warfare Operations - it violates many cultural assumptions of the Air Force; thereby making its development as a functional operational area unlikely. This paper compares Air Force and IO cultural assumptions to assess threats to and opportunities for change and then makes recommendations on how best to make IFO a functional component of the Air Force arsenal. The recommendations include initiatives to promote harmonization of Air Force and IFO culture that include developing a common language developing IFO pioneers that will speak Air Force while developing IFO consciousness within the service at large. This process will also create improved education targeting and procedures as well as a linking up with other practitioners.</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>