Abstract
The conduct of offensive and defensive Information Operations (IO) require coordinated targeting and protection, respectively, across physical, information and even cognitive domains. Even the specific IO activities of Computer Network Defense (CND) and Computer Network Attack (CNA) require the close coordination of activities across all three domains to encompass physical processing assets, information creation, flows and stores, and the cognitive behaviors of human network administrators and operators. This paper describes the role of data fusion to provide intelligence for IO and to conduct both offensive operations (OIO) and defensive operations (DIO). We build on prior papers that have introduced the concept of a three-domain model of IO targets, and the general application of data fusion to the more abstract functions of IO. These functions require the fusion of both quantitative and qualitative data (e.g. numerical and text data, respectively) to develop models of physical, symbolic and cognitive IO targets and situations. This paper describes conceptual implementations of data fusion structures to model and understand OIO and DIO targets within the domains of reality.
Information Operations within JV 2020
Information Operations (IO) are those actions taken to affect an adversary’s information and information systems, while defending one’s own information and information systems.1 The recently released Joint Vision 2020 describes the Joint Chiefs of Staff view of the ultimate purpose of IO as “to facilitate and protect U.S. decision-making processes, and in a conflict, degrade those of an adversary.” 2 The Vision builds on the earlier JV20103 and retains the fundamental operational concepts, two with significant refinements that emphasize IO. The first is the expansion of the Vision to encompass the full range of operations (non-tradition, asymmetric, unconventional ops), while retaining warfighting as the primary focus. The second refinement moves Information Superiority concepts beyond technology solutions that deliver information to the concept of superiority in decision-making. This means that IO will deliver increased information at all levels and increased choices for commanders. Conversely, it will also reduce information to adversary commanders and diminish their decision options .
