Information Operations

by U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff

This publication, “Information Operations (Joint Publication 3-13),” provides doctrine for information operations planning, preparation, execution, and assessment in support of joint operations. Information is a strategic resource, vital to national security, and military operations depend on information and information systems for many simultaneous and integrated activities. Information operations (IO) are described as the integrated employment of electronic warfare (EW), computer network operations (CNO), psychological operations (PSYOP), military deception (MILDEC), and operations security (OPSEC), in concert with specified supporting and related capabilities, to influence, disrupt, corrupt, or usurp adversarial human and automated decision making while protecting our own. The purpose of this doctrine is to provide joint force commanders (JFCs) and their staffs guidance to help prepare, plan, execute, and assess IO in support of joint operations. The principal goal is to achieve and maintain information superiority for the US and its allies. The information environment is the aggregate of individuals, organizations, and systems that collect, process, disseminate, or act on information. The information environment is made up of three interrelated physical, informational, and cognitive.

116 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2012