Developing and Retaining Information Warriors: An Imperative to Achieve Information Superiority

Abstract

Developing effective policy, doctrine, organizations, technology, and most importantly, skilled people are essential to ensure our warfighters enjoy information superiority across the spectrum of conflict. In this context, "information warriors"-people skilled in the art of conducting information operations-are essential to achieving information superiority. Information warriors must be multi-skilled-at a minimum, proficient in operations, intelligence and information technologies. Unfortunately, all military services face significant challenges in retaining information technology (IT) professionals-people with many of the critical skills needed to conduct effective information operations. This paper analyzes Air Force IT retention and its impact on achieving information superiority. In this context, information superiority is the desirable end-state, information operations the way to win it, and standing up a new Air Force Information Operations (IO) career field the best way to retain the IT professionals needed to achieve it. Key reasons IT professionals leave the Air Force are identified, leading to the conclusion that to improve IT retention, the Air Force must do a better job addressing both tangible and non-tangible satisfiers. Besides aiding IT retention, a separate Air Force IO career track is the best way to develop %information warriors"-the people warfighters will task to win information superiority on future battlefields. Joint vision 2010 makes it clear that attracting and retaining people with the intellect, training and motivation to prevail across the spectrum of military operations is critical to the future success of our forces. To that end, developing and retaining "information warriors" capable of conducting decisive information operations is a strategic, operational and tactical imperative. To fail in this endeavor will significantly jeopardize our ability to prevail in future conflicts.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 29, 2000
Accession Number
ADA377713

Entities

People

  • Russell F. Miller

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Business Administration
  • Electronic Mail
  • Employment
  • Enlisted Personnel
  • Information Operations
  • Information Systems
  • Information Warfare
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Students
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

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