Using the Targeting Process to Synchronize Information Operations at the Tactical Level

Abstract

The U.S. Army's new capstone doctrine, Field Manual (FM) 3-0, Operations, recognizes that information is a powerful weapon in the conduct of full-spectrum operations. Like other weapons, the effects of information must be synchronized with the effects of other systems to produce optimal results. Unfortunately, current U.S. Army doctrine does not provide a single coherent method for integrating the effects of maneuver, fires and information. This monograph seeks to remedy that flaw by analyzing the utility of the targeting process as a means of synchronizing information with the other elements of combat power at the tactical level. The decide-detect-deliver-assess (D3A) methodology of the targeting process is a useful conceptual tool for synchronizing effects on hostile forces. However, in practice the targeting process contains a bias towards lethal effects. With minor modifications, the targeting process could become a far more effective synchronization tool.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADA403848

Entities

People

  • Paul L. Yingling

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artillery
  • Command And Control
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Incapacitating Agents
  • Information Operations
  • Information Systems
  • Information Warfare
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military Organizations
  • Psychological Operations
  • Scatterable Mines
  • United States Central Command
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.