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Information operations as a core competency
Joint Force Quarterly, Dec, 2004 by Christopher J. Lamb
The IO roadmap recommends a number of improvements to PSYOP, including increases in force structure. Perhaps the most important recommendation, already funded, was for U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to create a Joint PSYOP Support Element for two tasks. First, it will rapidly produce commercial quality product prototypes for combatant commanders, and second, it will help commands coordinate their PSYOP programs and products with the Joint Staff and Office of the Secretary of Defense to ensure that they are consistent with overall U.S. themes and messages. The element will maintain a team in Washington to facilitate coordination.
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To improve the timely, multimode dissemination of products using PSYOP delivery systems, SOCOM has initiated an advanced concept technology demonstration along with other modernization efforts. It includes upgrades to traditional delivery systems such as leaflets and loudspeakers that are highly responsive to maneuver commanders. Other technologies are being pursued that will expand the capability to disseminate targeted messages. This is a significant challenge that must be met to maximize PSYOP potential in the information age.
Advocacy for operations security and military deception. Protecting the commanders' plans while misdirecting those of the enemy is one of the three broad functions of integrated IO. Typically, it is assumed that overwhelming power can compensate for accurate enemy knowledge of our intentions and capabilities. This may be true in some circumstances, but it would be unwise to rely on this hope or fail to seize additional advantages.
Military deception and OPSEC were successful in Iraqi Freedom. Nonetheless there is room for improvement, and it should start with personnel. Deception requires centralized planning, security, and close integration with operational planning. While OPSEC and deception do not have a standing career force, personnel will receive specialized training in both disciplines sufficient to plan and execute full spectrum IO. In addition, the Secretary of Defense assigned STRATCOM the lead for ensuring that joint OPSEC is fully integrated into IO concepts, planning, and career force education and training.
The IO roadmap is a milestone in DOD transformation, and more specifically for those who labor in IO disciplines. It establishes the building blocks Secretary Rumsfeld identified as necessary for achieving a core military competency. The roadmap demonstrates that the Department recognizes the importance of IO and is committed to maximizing its contributions to joint force commanders across the range of military operations.
Collectively, the recommendations of the roadmap begin the transformation of IO into a core military capability. Fully implemented, they will produce the following benefits for the Department in general and for combatant commanders in particular:
* a common lexicon and approach to IO, including integrated information campaign planning
* more execution authority delegated to commanders
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