English

DTIC ADA481639: Clausewitz's Theory of War and Information Operations

The debate over information operations (IO) grows more confused because IO continues to be wrongly understood in its relationship to the so-called kinetic elements of military operations. Contrary to entrenched perceptions, IO is not merely a family of related skill sets or capabilities that in all cases augment kinetic operations. Collectively, they are properly understood as a specific purpose and emphasis within an overall plan of action that under some circumstances might be the main effort. The most essential factor for employing IO is therefore the commander's intent with regard to the political objective of a given operation. Viewing IO in any other way precludes recognition of the relationship the IO purpose inherently has with other activities of war within the universe of political conflict, and consequently distorts thinking with regard to full incorporation and appropriate employment of all tools that might generate a desired information effect. Thus, operational planning that regards IO as mere augmentation to operations by application of five narrowly defined pillars, currently revised and identified as operations security, psychological operations (PSYOP), deception,

Sign in with your free account to read, download EPUBs or listen.