Information operations in strategic, operational, and tactical levels of war : a balanced systematic approach

This thesis explores the idea whether a balanced systematic approach is a better way to integrate Information Operations (IO) at different levels of war compared to uncoordinated efforts at each level. Analysis of the role of information in a conflict in the context of information superiority provides the foundation of the thesis. DOD's IO core, supporting, and related capability based approach was used in the analysis of each level of warfare. Strategic, operational, and tactical level IO were analyzed by matching relevant IO capabilities with the IO effects desired at the respective levels. Sample systems were provided for each capability when appropriate. IO efforts in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Allied Force were analyzed. This thesis concluded that a balanced systematic approach to IO through its integration at all three levels of warfare will produce much better results than the uncoordinated cases in order to exploit the integrative effect of IO on the instruments of national power and the military capabilities at different levels of warfare.http://archive.org/details/informationopera109456257First Lieutenant, Turkish ArmyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited