Nonlethal Information Operations Targeting Process

Many articles, journals, and books describe what information operations are and how they are essential to military operations, but there is little written about how to actually do information operations. This monograph's purpose is twofold. First, it provides the Joint Task Force Commander procedures by which to integrate nonlethal information operations into the joint targeting process and recommends duties and responsibilities for staff officers to ensure they integrate information operations into plans and operations. Second, it offers information operations officers a single document from which to develop standing operating procedures and tactics, techniques, and procedures. Joint Publications 3-0, Doctrine for Joint Operations, and 3-09, Doctrine for Joint Fire Support, provide the doctrinal underpinnings for joint targeting. Additionally, Joint Publication 3-13, Joint Doctrine for Information Operations, provides doctrine and guidance for information operations targeting. Currently there is neither Army doctrine for information operations targeting nor tactics, techniques, and procedures on how to integrate information operations into the targeting process. This monograph attempts to fill this gap. The capabilities, limitations, and employment considerations are outlined for the nonlethal information operations capabilities and activities (i.e., civil affairs, electronic warfare, military deception, psychological operations, public affairs, and special information operations). Finally, the author makes several recommendations in the areas of personnel and organization, training and education, doctrine, and operations.