When the Full
Spectrum Information Warfare
Information
Operation Roadmap Part 1
Brent Jessop - Knowledge Driven Revolution.com
When the
"A 2003
Pentagon document previously classified as
On Par with Air, Ground, Maritime and Special Operations
The importance of information warfare is clearly laid out in this document.
"Key
assumptions.
Information, always important in warfare, is now critical to military
success and will only become more so in the foreseeable future. Three key
assumptions underscore the growing importance of information:
- (U) Effectively communicating U.S. Government (
The major thrust of the document was that information operations should be centralized under the Office of the Secretary of Defence and made a core military competency.
"Objective: IO [information operations] becomes a core competency. The importance of dominating the information spectrum explains the objective of transforming IO into a core military competency on a par with air, ground, maritime and special operations. The charge to the IO Roadmap oversight panel was to develop as concrete a set of action recommendations as possible to make IO a core competency, which in turn required identifying the essential prerequisites to become a core military competency." [emphasis mine] - 4
Uniformity in Message and Themes
The major reason for centralizing the information operations under a single
command was to create consistency between the various segments of the Pentagon
"IO requires coordination
with public affairs and civil military operations to complement the objectives
of these related activities and ensure message consistency." [emphasis mine] - 23
"- (U) The
- (U) All DoD [Department of Defense] information
activities, including information operations, which are conducted at the
strategic, operational, and tactical level, should reflect and be consistent
with broader national security policy and strategy objectives." [emphasis mine] - 25
"Coordinating information activities. Major DoD "information activities" include public
affairs, military support to public diplomacy and PSYOP [psychological
operations]. The State Department maintains the lead for public diplomacy, the
[half line redacted] and the International Broadcasting Board of Governors
maintains the lead for broadcasting
A Trained and Ready Career Force
With the ascension of information operations into a core military competency
the document recommended, under the heading "A Trained and Ready Career
Force" that the:
"DoD [Department of Defence] requires a cadre of IO professionals capable of planning and executing fully integrated IO in support of Combatant Commanders. An IO career force should be afforded promotion and advancement opportunities commensurate with other warfighting areas and provided opportunities for advancement to senior executive or flag level rank." - 32
The forward of this document was signed by then Secretary of Defence Donald H. Rumsfeld which
contained the following statement of support:
"I approve the Roadmap recommendations and direct the Services, Combatant Commands and DoD Agencies to fully support implementation of this plan." - iv
What Are Information Operations?
This document defined information operations as follows:
"The integrated employment of the core capabilities of Electronic Warfare, Computer Network Operations, Psychological Operations, Military Deception and Operations Security, in concert with specified supporting and related capabilities, to influence, disrupt, corrupt or usurp adversarial human and automated decisions-making while protecting our own." - 22
The following series of articles will examine the Pentagon
http://www.knowledgedrivenrevolution.com/Articles/200711/20071105_IOR_1_Thrust.htm
Maximum
Control of the Entire Electro-Magnetic Spectrum
Information
Operation Roadmap Part 2
Brent Jessop - Knowledge Driven Revolution.com
In 2003, then Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld signed a
document called the Information Operation Roadmap
which outlined, among other things, the Pentagon
If you are unfamiliar with this document, more detail can be found in a
previous article here.
Dominate
From the Information Operation Roadmap:
"We Must Improve Network and
Electro-Magnetic Attack Capability. To prevail in an information-centric fight,
it is increasingly important that our forces dominate the electromagnetic
spectrum with attack capabilities." [emphasis
mine] - 6
"Cover the full range of EW [Electronic Warfare] missions and
capabilities, including navigation warfare, offensive counterspace,
control of adversary radio frequency systems that provide location and
identification of friend and foe, etc." - 61
"Provide a future EW capability sufficient to provide maximum control
of the entire electromagnetic spectrum, denying, degrading, disrupting, or
destroying the full spectrum of globally emerging communication systems,
sensors, and weapons systems dependant on the electromagnetic spectrum."
[emphasis mine] - 61
"DPG [Defense Planning Guidance] 04 tasked USD(AT&L)
[Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics], in
coordination with the CJCS [Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff] and
Services, to develop recommendations to transform and extend EW capabilities,
... to detect, locate and attack the full spectrum of globally emerging
telecommunications equipment, situation awareness sensors and weapons
engagement technologies operating within the electromagnetic spectrum."
[emphasis mine] - 59
Stealthy Platforms Above Your House
"Develop a coherent and
comprehensive EW [Electronic Warfare] investment strategy for the architecture
that... Pay particular attention to:
- (U) Projecting electronic attack into denied
areas by means of stealthy platforms... As a matter of priority,
accelerates joint development of modular EW payloads for the Unmanned Combat
Aerial Vehicle." [emphasis mine] - 62
It is interesting to see the mention of stealthy platforms
like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) because they are
now patrolling both the Canadian and Mexican borders of the
"one North Carolina county is using a UAV equipped with low-light
and infrared cameras to keep watch on its citizens. The aircraft has been
dispatched to monitor gatherings of motorcycle riders at the
The Electronic Battlespace
"The ACTD [Advanced Concept
Technology Demonstration] should examine a range of technologies including a
network of unmanned aerial vehicles and miniaturized, scatterable
public address systems for satellite rebroadcast in denied areas. It should
also consider various message delivery systems, to include satellite radio and
television, cellular phones and other wireless devices and the Internet."
[emphasis mine] - 65
"Exploits other transformational EW initiatives, including use of the
How exactly do you create a real time electronic battlespace picture? And where exactly is the battlespace? A very similar statement was made in the
Project for a New American Century document Rebuilding America
"New classes of sensors - commercial and military; on land, on and under sea, in the air and in space - will be linked together in dense networks that can be rapidly configured and reconfigured to provide future commanders with an unprecedented understanding of the battlefield." - pg 59
An article written by Mark Baard from Parallelnormal.com sheds some light on this subject.
"
"But even if the cities fail to complete their Wi-Fi
projects, the military will be able to set up wireless networks within hours,
perhaps even faster."
"The DOD [Department of Defense], which is in the middle of joint urban
war-games with Homeland Security and Canadian, Israeli and other international
forces, is experimenting with Wi-Fi networks it can
set up on the fly."
"According to a recent DOD announcement for contractors, soldiers will be
able to drop robots, called LANdroids... when they
arrive in a city. The robots will then scurry off to position themselves,
becoming nodes for a wireless communications network. (Click here to download a
PDF of the DOD announcement.)"
"The Wi-Fi antennae dotting the urban landscape
will serve not only as communications relays, but as transponders that can
pinpoint the exact positions of of individual
computers and mobile phones - a scenario I described in the Boston Globe last
year."
"In other words, where
"The antennae will also relay orders to the brain-chipped masses, members
of the British Ministry of Defense and the DOD believe."
Conclusion
My next article will examine the Pentagon
http://www.knowledgedrivenrevolution.com/Articles/200711/20071112_IOR_2_EW.htm
"We
Must Fight the Net"
Information
Operation Roadmap Part 3
Brent Jessop - Knowledge Driven Revolution.com
The Pentagon
The 2003 Pentagon document entitled the Information Operation Roadmap
was released to the public after a Freedom of Information Request by the
National Security Archive at
Computer Network Attack
From the Information Operation Roadmap:
"When implemented the
recommendations of this report will effectively jumpstart a rapid improvement
of
"Enhanced IO [information operations] capabilities for the warfighter, including: ... A robust offensive suite of
capabilities to include full-range electronic and computer network attack..."
[emphasis mine] - 7
Would the Pentagon use its computer network attack
capabilities on the Internet?
Fighting the Net
"We Must Fight the Net. DoD [Department of Defense] is
building an information-centric force. Networks are increasingly the
operational center of gravity, and the Department must be prepared to
"fight the net." " [emphasis mine]
- 6
"DoD
It should come as no surprise that the Pentagon would
aggressively attack the "information highway" in their attempt to
achieve dominance in information warfare. Donald Rumsfeld
PNAC Dominating Cyberspace
The Project for a New American Century (PNAC) was founded in 1997 with many
members that later became the nucleus of the George W. Bush administration. The list includes: Jeb Bush, Dick Cheney, I. Lewis Libby, Donald Rumsfeld, and Paul Wolfowitz
among many other powerful but less well know names. Their stated purpose was to use a hugely
expanded
From Rebuilding
"It is now commonly understood
that information and other new technologies... are creating a dynamic
that may threaten
"Control of space and cyberspace. Much as control of the high seas - and
the protection of international commerce - defined global powers in the past,
so will control of the new "international commons" be a key to world
power in the future. An
"Although it may take several decades for the process of transformation to
unfold, in time, the art of warfare on air, land, and sea will be vastly
different than it is today, and "combat" likely will take place in
new dimensions: in space, "cyber-space," and perhaps the world
of microbes." [emphasis mine] - 60
For more on Rebuilding America
Internet 2
Part of the Information Operation Roadmap
As far as the Pentagon is concerned the internet is not all bad, after all, it
was the Department of Defense through DARPA that gave us the internet in the first
place. The internet is useful not only as a business tool but also is excellent
for monitoring and tracking users, acclimatizing people to a virtual world, and
developing detailed psychological profiles of every user, among many other
Pentagon positives. But, one problem with the current internet is the potential
for the dissemination of ideas and information not consistent with US government
themes and messages, commonly known as free speech. Naturally, since the plan
was to completely dominate the "infosphere,"
the internet would have to be adjusted or replaced with an upgraded and even
more Pentagon friendly successor.
In an article by Paul Joseph Watson
of Prison
Planet.com, he describes the emergence of Internet 2.
"The development of
"Internet 2" is also designed to create an online caste system
whereby the old Internet hubs would be allowed to break down and die, forcing
people to use the new taxable, censored and regulated world
wide web. If you
Conclusion
The next article will examine the Pentagon
http://www.knowledgedrivenrevolution.com/Articles/200711/20071119_IOR_3_Fight_Net.htm
Information
Warfare Using Aggressive Psychological Operations
Information
Operation Roadmap Part 4
Brent Jessop - Knowledge Driven Revolution.com
psychological operations or PSYOP in the global
information environment of the 21st century are wide ranging and aggressive.
These desires are outlined in the 2003 Pentagon document signed by Donald Rumsfeld in his capacity as the Secretary of Defense called
the Information Operation Roadmap.
More detail about the origins and purpose of this document can be read in the
first part of this series here. Also, a
description of the Pentagon
What is a PSYOP?
A PSYOP is not specifically defined in this document but it does provide some
insight into the wide ranging activities that are considered PSYOP.
"The customary position was
that "public affairs informs, while public diplomacy and PSYOP
influence." PSYOP also has been perceived as the most aggressive of
the three information activities, using diverse means, including
psychological manipulation and personal threats." [emphasis
mine] - 26
"One result of public affairs and civil military operations is greater
support for military endeavors and thus, conversely these activities can
help discourage and dissuade enemies, which PSYOP does more directly with
its own tactics, techniques and procedures." [emphasis
mine] - 10
"PSYOP messages disseminated to any audience except individual
decision-makers (and perhaps even then) will often be replayed by the news
media for much larger audiences, including the American public." [emphasis mine] - 26
"A PSYOP force ready to conduct sophisticated target-audience analysis
and modify behaviour with multi-media PSYOP
campaigns featuring commercial-quality products that can be rapidly
disseminated throughout the Combatant Commanders area of operations."
[emphasis mine] - 63
"PSYOP products must be based on in-depth knowledge of the audience
"Better depiction of the attitudes, perceptions and decision-making
processes of an adversary. Understanding how and why adversaries make
decisions will require improvements in Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and open
source exploitation, as well as improved analytic tools and methods."
[emphasis mine] - 39
"SOCOM [Special Operations Command] should create a Joint PSYOP
"SOCOM
"PSYOP equipment capabilities require 21st Century technology. This
modernization would permit the long-range dissemination of PSYOP messages via
new information venues such as satellites, the Internet, personal digital
assistants and cell phones:
- (U) PSYOP ACTD. Commencing in FY04, SOCOM [Special Operations Command]
initiates an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) to address
dissemination of PSYOP products into denied areas. The ACTD should examine a
range of technologies including a network of unmanned aerial vehicles and
miniaturized, scatterable public address systems for
satellite rebroadcast in denied areas. It should also consider various
message delivery systems, to include satellite radio and television,
cellular phones and other wireless devices and the Internet." [emphasis mine] - 65
"Rapid, fully integrated nodal and network analysis providing Combatant
Commanders with holistic kinetic and non-kinetic solutions for a full
range of electromagnetic, physical and human IO [information operations]
targets." [emphasis mine] - 39
"Capabilities such as physical security, information assurance, counter
intelligence and physical attack make important contributions to effective IO."
[emphasis mine] - 23
Third Party PSYOP
The Pentagon is also willing to use third parties for their PSYOP.
"Identify and disseminate
the views of third party advocates that support
Under recommendation number 48 - "Create a Joint PSYOP
"Contract for commercial sources for enhanced product development." [emphasis mine] - 64
The use of third party advocates or front groups for the
dissemination of
Virtual PSYOP
Not only is the Pentagon exploiting new and old technology for aggressive
behavior modification, they can also practice and refine their techniques in a
virtual simulation of the entire world.
From an article by Mark Baard:
"U.S defense, intel and homeland security officials are constructing a
parallel world, on a computer, which the agencies will use to test propaganda
messages and military strategies."
"Called the Sentient World Simulation, the program uses AI routines based
upon the psychological theories of Marty Seligman, among others. (Seligman
introduced the theory of "learned helplessness" in the 1960s, after
shocking beagles until they cowered, urinating, on the bottom of their
cages.)"
"Yank a country
"The sim will feature an AR avatar for each
person in the real world, based upon data collected about us from government
records and the internet."
How useful do you think your new MySpace
or Facebook account is in helping the Pentagon
develop a detailed psychological profile of you? Do you think they would be shy
in exploiting such a valuable source of personal data?
AIDS Awareness
PSYOP in the past, however, often was used to support U.S. Government public diplomacy and information objectives with non-adversarial audiences. These actions include counter-drug, demining and AIDS awareness programs in friendly countries." [emphasis mine] - 25
It is a minor point in the context of this document, but it
is worth reflecting on why
Are There Any Limits to Information Warfare?
An obvious question arises from the description of PSYOP described by the Information
Operation Roadmap, are there any limits? Can PSYOP be conducted on the
American public or just foreign audiences? On adversaries or
non-adversaries? Can they be performed during peacetime? My next article will attempt to
show just how few limits there actually are.
http://www.knowledgedrivenrevolution.com/Articles/200711/20071126_IOR_4_PSYOP.htm
Information
Warfare Without Limits
Information
Operation Roadmap Part 5
Brent Jessop - Knowledge Driven Revolution.com
The 2003 Pentagon document entitled Information Operation Roadmap
describes the need to dominate the entire electromagnetic spectrum,
If you are unfamiliar with the Information Operation Roadmap please read
a previous article I wrote
describing the major thrust of this document.
PSYOP, Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
From the Information Operation Roadmap:
"In the past some basic
similarities and dissimilarities between PSYOP [psychological operations],
support to public diplomacy and public affairs generally have been accepted.
Historically all three used truth to bolster credibility, and all three
addressed foreign audiences, both adversary and non-adversaries. Only
public affairs addressed domestic audiences. In addition, all three
activities sought a positive impact for
There is a lot happening in this paragraph, first, there is
the almost humorous statement; "truth to bolster credibility". Does
anyone remember WMDs, Saddam and 9/11, maybe some
uranium from
Secondly, "
"Impact of
the global village. The increasing ability of people in most parts of the globe to access
international sources makes targeting particular audiences more difficult.
Today the distinction between foreign and domestic audiences becomes more a
question of
PSYOP is restricted by both DoD
[Department of Defense] policy and executive order from targeting American
audiences, our military personnel and news agencies or outlets... However, information
intended for foreign audiences, including public diplomacy and PSYOP,
increasingly is consumed by our domestic audience and vice-versa... PSYOP
messages disseminated to any audience except individual decision-makers (and
perhaps even then) will often be replayed by the news media for much larger
audiences, including the American public." [emphasis
mine] - 26
So there you have it, "the distinction between foreign
and domestic audiences becomes more a question of US government intent rather
than information dissemination practices". Therefore, the American public
is fair game for all forms of
It should also be highlighted that PSYOP are only restricted not prohibited
from being used on the American public. If that loophole is not large enough,
the distinctions between the tactics of public affairs, public diplomacy and
PSYOP are elaborated in Appendix C of the Information Operation Roadmap.
The very last task listed for PSYOP is: "when called upon, support to
local public affairs activities".
Appendix C of this document is well worth the one page read (pg 71). Some other highlight
include:
Public Affairs:
"Rapid Response/Truth Squads and "Briefings Plus" "
"Humanitarian road shows"
"Media embeds"
"Combat Camera products on events not accessible to news media"
Public Diplomacy:
"Content of speeches or OP/ED pieces by senior DoD
[Department of Defense] officials to foreign audiences"
"Talking points for private exchanges with foreign leaders"
"Overt dissemination of
PSYOP:
"Radio/TV/Print/Web media designed to directly modify behaviour
and distributed in theatre supporting military endeavors in semi or
non-permissive environments"
"When called upon, support to theatre public diplomacy"
"DoD advisors to assist friendly forces in developing
PSYOP programs"
Changing Definitions
Definitions are another great tool if you are trying to deceive. As described
above the definitions of and distinction between public affair, public
diplomacy and PSYOP are left intentionally vague. Lawyers make a living out of
this type of deception and their hands are all over this document.
"PSYOP should focus on
support to military endeavors (exercises, deployments and operations) in
non-permissive or semi-permissive environments (i.e. when adversaries are part
of the equation).
- (U) However, PSYOP forces and capabilities may be employed to support
Get that? If PSYOP forces and equipment are used in support
of military endeavours, it is a PSYOP mission. If
PSYOP forces and equipment are used in support of public diplomacy, it is
public diplomacy.
A Quick Recap
A close read of the above quotes reveal that information operations,
specifically PSYOP, can be used on both domestic and foreign audiences, in
non-permissive or semi-permissive environments, and on adversary and
non-adversary. Are there any other limits?
Peace, Crisis and War
"The Department
"Peacetime preparation. The Department
"Clear, unambiguous and streamlined DoD
[Department of Defense] oversight and policy that empowers Combatant Commanders
to execute full spectrum IO before, during and after combat operations."
[emphasis mine] - 20
Denied Areas
"Improvements in PSYOP
capability are required to rapidly generate audience specific,
commercial-quality products into denied areas." [emphasis
mine] - 26
"Projecting electronic attack into denied areas by means of stealthy
platforms." [emphasis mine] - 62
Conclusion
Does the Pentagon define any real limits to information warfare? Information
operations can be used on both domestic and foreign audiences, in
non-permissive or semi-permissive environments, on adversary and non-adversary,
during peace, crisis and war, and in denied areas. Should we really expect
anything less? They did tell us that their goal was full spectrum dominance.
http://www.knowledgedrivenrevolution.com/Articles/200712/20071203_IOR_5_Limits.htm
From http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=7637