The War of Ideas and the Role of Information Operations in Counterinsurgency

Abstract

This monograph analyzes the historical development of U.S. Information Operations (IO) doctrine and provides a discussion of the way ahead for a common understanding of IO among the services. The role of IO relative to kinetic operations has been greatly misunderstood and has not adapted to the complexities of our current operations. Given the influence of policy at home and abroad within the asymmetric nature of COIN operations, a review of Clausewitz's theory of political conflict will help us understand the role of information operations as a more political activity with a significantly greater responsibility in COIN operations. The monograph makes a number of recommendations to improve the services' overall understanding of IO so that it can be properly integrated into COIN operational planning and execution in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). First, U.S. Army IO doctrine must nest within the framework of the new Joint doctrine to gain and maintain momentum in this increasingly joint and interagency effort. Second, U.S. Army IO and COIN doctrine should provide better methodology to the force for the application of all IO elements. Third, the U.S. Army must improve the general education of IO across all branches and at every echelon of the service so that IO expertise does not rest solely within the IO career field. Fourth, the means for assessment and analysis between IO and military intelligence should work towards more complete integration to improve comprehensiveness and timeliness of understanding. Finally, commanders must establish a proactive posture for their IO campaigns if they are to maintain the legitimacy of their overall COIN effort. The analysis, assessments, and recommendations in this monograph provide a bridge of understanding between IO and COIN operations and highlight the importance of the proper integration of IO within the current conflict.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 27, 2008
Accession Number
ADA494409

Entities

People

  • Collin T. Hunton

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Cyber
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Command And Control
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Employment
  • Information Operations
  • Information Systems
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Psychological Operations
  • Terrorism
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies