Limits of Decentralization: Streamlining the Dispersed Parts of the Information Whole
Abstract
When the US Joint Staff introduced information as the newly incorporated Joint Function in 2017, it was a clear indication that the US military was aware of critical changes taking place within the contemporary operational environment. However, despite this recognition, the US military continues to disaggregate its information capabilities. This monograph argues that the US military must revisit and revise its current methods of dividing information into separate conduit and content-oriented fields. Specifically, this paper argues for the centralization of information operations task organizations in two ways. First, the information-related officer must be given command authority over all information related capabilities, in order to successfully synchronize and coordinate them. Second, the overall structure of information organization in the US military should be reworked so that both content and conduit are represented at the level of a combatant command. In juxtaposition to the current US construct, this monograph examines a case study of Russia's holistic organization of information, and notes how such a system of organizations could offer advantages to the United States.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1071205
Entities
People
- Ryan B. Min
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies