Filling the Information Void: Adapting the IO Message in Post-Hostility Iraq

In meeting the challenges of post-hostility Iraq, the area of information operations (IO) has received a great deal of attention. Unlike combat operations, the center of gravity in post-conflict Iraq has been restoration of basic services and influencing public support and perception. Thus, in post-war conflict, IO, with the objective and means to promote legitimacy, reduce confusion, and influence a population, can reasonably be seen as the decisive operation. Unfortunately, there is substantial evidence that planners faced serious challenges during the transition to post-hostility operations in Iraq. This monograph seeks to add to the Army's understanding of IO by providing an in depth examination of five challenges faced by IO officers at the start of the post-hostility phase of operations in Iraq. This monograph will discuss the major principles contained in FM 3-13, Information Operations: Doctrine, Tactics Techniques and Procedure, and examine whether doctrinal adjustments are needed to provide more effective guidance for IO officers facing the issues identified in the five problem areas. Finally, this monograph ultimately seeks to draw broader observations, both doctrinal and institutional, about what modifications in the area of information operations could aid in the battle to "win hearts and minds." This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.