Designating Information Operations as the Joint Force's Main Effort -- What Do We Really Mean?
Abstract
The author describes the challenges joint commanders face when assigning operational roles to their functional components, and the added complexities information operations introduce into the process. Major Horowicz further suggests potential organizational and doctrinal solutions, and invites continued debate on these proposals. Assigning a main effort as part of a concept of operations is commonly understood. At the tactical level, the main effort is typically assigned to a unit, whereas at the operational level, the main effort is typically addressed in geographic or functional terms. In either case, the main effort is the commander's bid for success -- it is directed at the object which will have the most significant effect on the enemy, and which holds the best opportunity for success. This article explores some of the challenges a joint force commander and joint information operations (IO) cell chief might experience if IO becomes a joint force's main effort.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA575203
Entities
People
- Mark Horowicz