The Fourth Factor: The Case for Parity of "Information" as an Operational Factor With Space, Time & Force

Abstract

Operational Art as defined in U.S. Joint Doctrine is an accepted process for use by operational commanders to visualize how to most efficiently and effectively employ military capabilities to achieve a desired objective. Within Operational Art are three accepted factors in which all other considerations are defined and employed. They are space, time and force. This paper argues that there is a fourth operational factor integral to the process, that of information. Specifically, information in the most inclusive terms, encompassing all disciplines in the military that use, manipulate and employ this fourth factor. While recent advances in technology have brought information's role to the forefront, information has always played a cornerstone role in operational art, alongside of the factors of space, time and force. This paper supports the assertion through examination, comparison and use of historical example of information's role in Operational Art.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 31, 2008
Accession Number
ADA494380

Entities

People

  • Christopher S. Moore

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Cyber
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Battle Damage Assessment
  • Damage Assessment
  • Doctrine
  • Information Operations
  • Information Systems
  • Information Warfare
  • Military Capabilities
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Operations Security
  • Psychological Operations
  • Security
  • Students
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space