Information Operations Capability for the Armored and Infantry Brigade

Presently, no organic information operations (IO) capability exists in the organization and structure of the armored and infantry brigade, so these brigades are unable to effectively plan, integrate, and coordinate IO activities into the brigade's operations without assistance. As the Army transforms to a more modular force that will rely heavily on the ability of brigades to conduct operations using assets normally associated with higher echelons or services, this capability becomes more relevant to the brigade to ensure success. This study analyzed field manuals, after-action reviews, lessons learned, and professional articles to determine the importance of IO to the brigade and to ascertain if a need existed for brigades to have their own ability to plan and coordinate IO activities. A survey was utilized to gain opinion from Army field grade officers attending the Army's Command and General Staff College (CGSC) to confirm the need for IO at brigade level. The study then provided a potential solution to the organizational structure that should be organic to the brigade to provide the needed IO capability. Based on the research conducted, evidence exists that there is a need for a trained, permanent IO staff member at the brigade level who can ensure that IO is fully planned, coordinated, and integrated into the brigade's missions and operations.