Army Information Centers of Gravity: Can We Protect Them
Abstract
As the Army keeps pace with the information age, it must determine how to leverage information to win its wars. According to Brigadier General Wayne M. Hall information is a tool for influencing an enemy's decision cycles. This is achieved by attacking the enemy's information centers of gravity. BG Hall defines these information centers of gravity as the physical place or mental construct in cyberspace where a confluence of intellect, decisions, collection, automation, communications and planning occurs. The purpose of this monograph is to determine if the U.S. Army has information centers of gravity and if so, can they be protected. The monograph first determined the key components of information from the definition of information superiority. These key components were analyzed using three criteria to determine the Army's information centers of gravity. The criteria used were their influence on decision cycles, effects on strategic aims, and impact on combat power. The analysis concluded that there are two information centers of gravity Army commanders and information operations cells. The monograph used the Army's defensive IO capabilities to determine if it can protect these information centers of gravity. The conclusion is that the U.S. Army does have the capability to provide protection for these information centers of gravity. The monograph concluded with a look at additional initiatives that are ongoing to protect both information centers of gravity and the key components of information that support these centers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 27, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA370329
Entities
People
- Rosemary M. Carter
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College