Information Operations: A Critical Requirement for Success in Afghanistan
Abstract
The International Security Assistance Force's (ISAF) operational center of gravity is their will and ability to provide for the needs of the Afghan population in conjunction with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA). The objective is to influence the key target group within the population -- the neutral or passive segment. This cannot be accomplished by lethal means, but rather by dominance in the information environment, which is critical to operational success in counterinsurgency operations. Therefore, ISAF commanders must gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for information operations. This paper addresses the ineffective employment of information operations in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan. The paper demonstrates the information operations link to the ISAF's center of gravity; this is a critical requirement for a comprehensive approach to campaign strategy. In addition, the paper provides an overview of how to maintain a "first with the truth" posture, analyzes how the enemy executes their information strategy, and argues for applying an effective targeting model. It concludes with recommendations for a theater information operations strategy as a critical requirement for a more effective and integrated campaign in Afghanistan. The recommendations are substantiated by the 10 information activities outlined in Allied Joint Publication 3.10, "Allied Joint Doctrine for Information Operations": (1) Psychological Operations; (2) Presence, Posture, Profile; (3) Operations Security; (4) Information Security; (5) Deception; (6) Electronic Warfare; (7) Physical Destruction; (8) Key Leader Engagement; (9) Computer Network Operations; and (10) Civil-Military Cooperation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 17, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA560208
Entities
People
- Terrence L. Murrill
Organizations
- United States Army War College