Information Warfare

This paper shows how the conduct of military operations in the Information Age demands new strategies, new tactics, and new ways of thinking. It raises moral and ethical issues regarding the relationship between the military, the media, and the American public; and it explores the relationship between Information Warfare (IW) and Public Affairs (PA). Three possible options emerge regarding the IW roles PA might adopt. Option One-a "Hands Off Policy"-seeks to avoid any association with IW and represents the current PA approach. Option Two upholds the primacy of truth and acknowledges the active role PA must take in IW. Option Three suggests PA abandon its policy to tell the truth and actively engage in all IW activities.