Media Relations
Newsletter 09-11
December 2008
Chapter 4: Public Affairs and Information Operations
Section III
Information Operations in Task Force Marne
LTC John Peterson, Center for Army Lessons Learned,
Theater Observation Detachment
There's a war out there, old friend. A World War. And it's not about who's got the most bullets. It's about who controls the information. What we see and hear, how we work, what we think. . . it's all about the information. -Cosmo, Sneakers, MCA Universal Pictures, 1992 |
Task Force (TF) Marne, Multi-National Division-Center (MND-C), 3rd Infantry Division, recognizes the vital nature of gaining and maintaining information superiority and allowing the commanding general (CG) and his subordinate commanders to use information to seize, retain, and exploit the initiative. As the focus in TF Marne's operational environment has shifted from security to governance and economics (lethal to nonlethal operations), information operations (IO) is playing an ever-increasing role.
In TF Marne, as in other divisions, the Assistant Chief of Staff G7 is the principal staff officer for all matters concerning IO including plans, current operations, and IO-related targeting. The G7 has coordinating responsibility for IO and coordinating and synchronizing the many elements and related activities of information.
This article will focus on TF Marne IO task organization and two components of IO: psychological operations (PSYOP) and the Iraqi media.
Task Organization
In TF Marne, the G7 section falls under the nonlethal effects cell (see Figure 4-3-1). The division created the cell prior to its deployment in March 2007. The CG provides guidance and input to the nonlethal effects cell as part of the nonlethal targeting process, and he is the ultimate decision maker.
Nonlethal effects task organization
Figure 4-3-1
The key task of the nonlethal cell headed by the effects coordinator (ECOORD) is to integrate all available nonlethal means. The G7 is responsible for conducting thorough target audience analysis to better focus PSYOP series, themes, and messages. Nesting PSYOP series, themes, and messages with those of corps and other multinational divisions yields quantifiable results and shapes the operational environment. Leveraging Iraqi media by targeting local audiences with coalition "good news" stories while developing and executing IO rapid response battle drills expedites product development and dissemination.
The G7 section is organized into six areas: current operations, PSYOP, Iraqi media, future operations, military deception, and the attached PSYOP company (see Figure 4-3-2). The current operations section is responsible for the IO working group (IOWG), rapid response battle drills, operations security (OPSEC), and the IO video teleconference (VTC).
Information Operations (G7) Task Organization
Figure 4-3-2
Psychological operations
Product development and dissemination in PSYOP continue to be an important part of TF Marne nonlethal operations. Current series, themes, and messages focus on countering al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), influencing local nationals not to support insurgents, and promoting job opportunities throughout TF Marne's operational environment (see Figure 4-3-3). To date, The G7 section has supported 11 division-level operations, developed more than 750 PSYOP products, and disseminated more than 12 million copies of these products. Planning is ongoing for current and future operations to continue the fight against AQI, deny the enemy sanctuaries, and target malignant foreign influences.
Figure 4-3-3: Example of current series, message, and theme
The Iraqi Media Section
TF Marne made a conscious decision to capitalize on the capabilities and advantages of a previously underutilized capability, the Iraqi media, by establishing an Iraqi media section (IMS). The IMS in TF Marne falls under the direction and oversight of the G7 and the ECOORD, not the public affairs officer. Although this veers from current joint and Army doctrine, the CG developed clear lanes of responsibility for both sections, allowing public affairs to focus on Western and internal audiences and the IMS to focus on the Iraqi audience. The IMS produces press releases, works with the Iraqi media, and monitors the publication and perception of stories in the Arabic media. The IMS was created in order to align Iraqi media correspondents with "high payoff" brigade-level events. The goal is to influence Iraqi local nationals to support the coalition, Iraqi security forces, and the Government of Iraq. The section captures atmospherics by monitoring Iraqi and Pan-Arab television, reading various media reports, and scanning the Internet.
For the CG's situational awareness and potential realignment or allocation of combat power or nonlethal resources, the section also correlates, analyzes, and provides all media monitoring information daily to include stories particular to TF Marne. The IMS disseminates its stories and pictures to its Iraqi media contacts (see Figure 4-3-4). The section currently has contacts with 11 radio stations, 8 television stations, 27 newspaper outlets, and a large number of media Web sites. The IMS has an exclusive contract with one popular Baghdad newspaper in order to maximize dissemination of key stories of interest or of strategic importance.
Because many Iraqi journalists have little experience with coalition forces, it is important for IMS and its escorts to make their initial experience a positive one. The Iraqi cultural advisor and bilingual, bicultural advisors are important in establishing credibility and ensuring that translations are correct. The advisors can recognize subtle linguistic nuances, such as the use of the term "foreign fighters," which includes coalition forces. This puts the battle for the minds of the Iraqis in the hands of the ECOORD and IO officer to effectively coordinate operational themes and messages.
Sample section of an Iraqi media section press release
RELEASE #20080121-01: "Night Air Raid Destroys 34 Targets, ARAB JABOUR, Iraq-More than 30 targets were hit Jan. 20 during a nighttime air raid on suspected al-Qaeda safe havens in Arab Jabour. (Number) bombs were dropped, with a total weight of 21,500 pounds. The joint operation involved precision air strikes by F-16 and F-18 fighter jets and B-1 bombers. Coalition forces took careful consideration and coordination to prevent damage to private property, schools, mosques, and civilians. . . .For queries, contact the Multi-National Division-Center Iraqi Media Section at MNDC-IMS@iraq.centcom.mil, or by phone at Iraqna 0790-110-5244. |
Figure 4-3-4
The IMS continues to disseminate stories of interest pertaining to division combat operations, improvements in the economic situation, governance, and the rule of law. Although they are resource intensive, the IMS does coordinate battlefield circulations, support brigade combat teams (BCTs), and highlight BCT-level high payoff events across all lines of operations (LOO). Additionally, IMS covers the planned and controlled release of Iraqi detainees. Standard "good news" stories include school openings and the grand opening of a local Iraqi radio station.
Conclusion
IO as part of nonlethal activities has proven decisive in the current counterinsurgency fight in Iraq. The way TF Marne has task organized to conduct IO, the use of PSYOP, and the unique nature of the IMS have enabled MND-C and TF Marne to shape the information environment and set the conditions for success across all LOO.
Remember actions always speak louder than words-every Soldier and Marine is an integral part of IO communications. IO are executed every day through the actions of firm, fair, professional, and alert Soldiers and Marines on the streets among the populace. -Field Manual 3-24, Counterinsurgency, December 2006 |
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