Operational Deception - The Lost Art in Today's Operations
Abstract
This paper attempts to show that operational deception, as an operational art, still has a purpose in America's military today. Historical case studies have shown that at a relative inexpensive cost, deception is a force multiplier that can change the outcome of a conflict and can allow a weaker force to defeat a stronger force. Some have argued that recent advances in technology and Information Warfare make deception unnecessary and a waste of resources and time. Conversely, as military leaders become more dependent on information technology, there will be more opportunities to use deception in order to achieve military objectives. The study and practice of deception must improve if the Joint Force Commander expects to be able to conduct effective deception operations. There should be more emphasis at professional education institutions, joint doctrine should be revised to emphasize the role of deception for the commander, and a new Directorate for Deception Operations on the Joint Staff should be established in order to strengthen America's ability to conduct deception operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 17, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA463613
Entities
People
- Thad Nisbett
Organizations
- Naval War College