DECEPTION
Reviews of many exercises show that Deception Planning is rarely done or when it is done, it is very superficial.
Surprise Thru Deception
Surprise (a principle of war) is essential at the operational and higher tactical levels if we are to fight outnumbered and win. Deception operations are one of the combat multipliers that can be used to gain the advantage. Failure to routinely plan, coordinate, and execute battlefield deception simplifies the enemy's intelligence collection and analysis of our intentions.
Historical Perspective
There are many examples of successful deception efforts by U.S. forces from WWII. In September 1944 the 43d Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Reinforced) occupied a 23-mile front on the left flank of XX (US) Corps on the METZ Front. This squadron portrayed an armored division for a period of several weeks, and was so successful that the German Order of Battle Maps showed the 14th (US) Armored Division to be in the area. The 14th AD was not even in Europe at the time. We must regain our expertise in deception operations if we expect to be successful on future battlefields. There are some ongoing actions which will increase our deception capability.
Battlefield Deception Office (BDO)
The U.S. Army Intelligence Center and School at Fort Huachuca, AZ has established the Battlefield Deception Office (BDO). The mission of the BDO is to manage and/or initiate actions required to give the Army a cohesive and coherent deception planning and executing capability.
Doctrine
FC 90-2, Battlefield Deception, was published in coordinating draft in September 1986 and addresses specific "how to" for units. FM 90-2A, Electronic Deception Operations, will focus on electronic deception measures (to be published in Sep 87).
Training
A battlefield deception functional course for both officers and NCOs will be implemented at Fort Huachuca during 4Q87.
Organization
Deception cells for corps and divisions have been approved. These elements will be located in the echelon MI organization. This may or may not be the best place for this element, since deception operations are a G3 responsibility. European divisions will start receiving their cells in November 1987.
Material
A limited buy of deception equipment for forward deployed corps/divisions will start in late 1987. This equipment includes devices to replicate TAC/TOC/CP communications signatures, critical nodes, and logistic bases.
Must Practice Deception in Exercises
The fact that personnel assets have been committed to deception in this period of constrained resources is a good indicator of just how important deception operations are. Several units have already created deception cells "out of hide." The challenge now will be to drive deception planning and execution into our exercises so that it becomes a routine part of any operation.
Have Deception Will Travel
CALL is very interested in observing deception operations and how deception cells work during training exercises. If any exercises have deception planning/execution as a major exercise objective, we would like to hear about it and be allowed to come and watch. Let us know what you are planning to do.
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