Information Operations and Public Affairs: A Working Relationship Defined

Abstract

"The worst outcome would be to lose this war [Iraq] by default. If the smart folks in the psy-op and civil affairs tents can cast a truthful, persuasive message that resonates with the average Iraqi, why not use the public affairs vehicles to transmit it?" This proposal throws those familiar with both organizations into a mental tizzy. Military deception (MILDEC) as an element of information operations (IO) is an integral part of maneuver warfare, as is psychological operations (PSYOP). Because MILDEC and PSYOP have negative connotations, it is blindly assumed that both create a false perspective for an opposing force, therefore causing the media and public to become rightfully suspicious when public affairs (PA) and information operations collaborate. Truth is necessary for public affairs to build credibility for success. The question is how can the military use information operations and public affairs as an effective team when their missions appear to be contradictory. The war necessitates a well-defined relationship between IO and PA; built on integrity, they must be able to constructively join forces.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA509352

Entities

People

  • T. L. Ovalle

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Battlefields
  • Civil Affairs
  • Computer Networks
  • Deception
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Information Operations
  • Information Systems
  • Information Warfare
  • Marine Corps
  • New York
  • Operations Security
  • Psychological Operations
  • Security
  • Situational Awareness
  • Task Forces
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.