Ch. 6: Execution in Information Operations

Chapter 6: Execution

• Information Operations (IO) includes executing a synchronization plan, monitoring, and adjusting activities as needed.
• The primary monitoring mechanism is the IO working group, which has two variations: one for ongoing planned operations and one for unplanned/crisis situations.
• The IO working group is the primary means for executing IO, a collaborative meeting led by the IO officer (often chaired by the G-3 or commander).
• The purpose of the IO working group is to ensure information effects are planned and synchronized to support commander's intent. It assesses the current status of operations and identifies targets, ensuring they're in the right place and time.
• The IO working group occurs regularly and always before the targeting working group, except in crisis situations (consequence management).
• Inputs to the IO Working Group include documents, products, tools and outputs are essential for effective IO staff functioning.
• The IO synchronization matrix is a key output and essential input for the next targeting meeting.
• The working group's agenda is flexible, adapting to the commander's and staff's needs, with weighted effort.

IO Responsibilities Within Command Posts

• Tactical CP directs IO execution and adjusts missions as needed. The IO representative maintains the IO portion of the common operational picture, tracks information requirements, coordinates IO with maneuver/fires, tracks targets, and assesses effectiveness.
• Main CP plans, coordinates, and integrates IO by maintaining IO aspects of the common operational picture, managing the IO estimate, incorporating information requests, and maintaining a current IO order of battle.
• Communication and coordination are vital between tactical and main command posts to guarantee effective IO execution.

Assessing During Execution

• Assessment is continuous, providing a situational overview and measuring progress against desired end states.
• An assessment is done by gathering information from all command posts, the G-2, and higher headquarters.
• Assessment precedes and guides every action throughout the operation, and it involves evaluating the effectiveness of IO efforts.
• IO objectives and measures of performance and effectiveness are established during planning to determine effectiveness.
• The IO officer and working group use tools such as the IO synchronization matrix, decision support templates, high-payoff target lists, and critical asset lists to track progress and results.

Monitoring IO

• The IO officer monitors Information-Related Capabilities (IRCs) for progress toward objectives.
• The IO officer monitors the threat and friendly situations to anticipate potential challenges.
• Monitoring involves determining and tracking effects, and handling unintended consequences.
• The main CP is the focal point for intelligence analysis and producing information for monitoring execution of defend-weighted tasks.
• IO assessment is tracked and evaluated using defined metrics with a goal of improving performance and identifying potential issues effectively.

Evaluating IO

• The IO officer works with the intelligence cell to assess the performance and effectiveness of information operations (IO) and its effects on the enemy, audiences, and friendly operations.
• IO effects are evaluated based on performance against baseline measures of performance and effectiveness.
• Based on these evaluations, the IO officer adjusts IO to exploit enemy vulnerabilities, redirects actions, or terminates actions when objectives are met.

Decision Making During Execution

• Core decision-making activities during execution include: executing IO as planned, adjusting IO to changing friendly situations, and adjusting to unexpected enemy reactions.
• Adjustments are made to ensure operations effectively accomplish objectives.
• Maintaining flexibility, and adaptability are paramount for successful execution of IO given the dynamic nature of conflict.

IO Execution Begins Early

• IO planning and execution frequently begin long before the formal start of an operation, which allows forces to effectively counter enemy actions before they are engaged.

This quiz covers Chapter 6 on Execution within Information Operations (IO). It focuses on the role of the IO working group, its purpose, and processes for ensuring synchronized information effects to support the commander's intent. Test your knowledge on monitoring mechanisms and planning strategies in IO.