ASPECTS OF INFORMATION OPERATIONS ELEMENTS OF INFORMATION OPERATIONS
1-53. Information operations is the employment of the core capabilities
of electronic warfare, computer network operations, psychological
operations, military deception, and operations security, in concert
with specified supporting and related capabilities, to affect or
defend information and information systems, and to influence decisionmaking.
(This definition supersedes the definition of IO in FM 3-0. It is
consistent with joint initiatives.) Commanders are flexible when determining
how to exploit IO. The type of exploitation depends on their IO capabilities
and objectives. As adversary C2 systems become more sophisticated, the
friendly commander’s decisionmaking window becomes smaller. Conversely,
if adversary C2 systems are less sophisticated, the commander’s ability to affect
them directly with sophisticated capabilities becomes less likely. A
friendly force with electronic warfare capabilities may dominate an opponent
with a radio-based C2 system and no redundancy. However, an asymmetric
environment may include an adversary with a C2 system based on courier/
word of mouth capabilities that require Army forces to adopt equally unsophisticated
IO methods. Countering the diverse threats in of the information
environment demands imagination and creativity. The quick pace of IO
places a heavy demand on preplanned IO branches and sequels (see FM 3-0).
1-54. Commanders from brigade through echelons above corps conduct IO.
Responsibilities vary by echelon based on IO element and type of military operation.
1-55. IO are enabling operations that create and present opportunities for
decisive operations. Commanders use both offensive IO and defensive IO simultaneously
to accomplish the mission, increase their force effectiveness,
and protect their organizations and systems. IO elements include core capabilities
and supporting capabilities (see figure 1-1, page 1-14). Commanders
conduct IO through a combination of these elements and related activities.
Figure 1-2, page 1-15, shows the relationship between the IO elements/
related activities, the types of operations, and unit responsibilities.
1-56. The elements of IO are not organizations. They are independent activities
that, when taken together and synchronized, constitute IO. Commanders
decide which IO elements are appropriate to accomplish the mission. All elements
may not be required for each operation.
1-57. With the possible exceptions of computer network operations (CNO),
CNA, computer network defense (CND) and computer network exploitation
(CNE), no IO element is new. What is new is bringing these elements/related
activities together as components of the information element of combat
power. IO focuses efforts that before were diffuse. A single staff officer—the
G-7—is assigned authority and responsibility for these previously separate
activities. This allows commanders to mass the effects of the information
element of combat power.
