Full spectrum information operations and the information professional officer intermediate qualification process filling the gap to ensure the continued leadership of the information professional community in the area of information dominance

Abstract

There currently exists a major effort within the United States Navy's Information Professional (IP) Community to overhaul and improve the qualification process for its officers. The overall effort has included the addition of technical refresher courses, re-examination of the Continuing Education Units (CEU) system, and the improvement of the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Qualification programs. This thesis specifically addresses the Intermediate Qualification (IQ) and the lack of Information Operations (IO) concepts therein. While some portions of the IQ that address highly technical areas exist, there is little to no mention of the importance of and concepts contained within IO, as defined by Joint Doctrine. The IP Community has a unique opportunity to train its officers in the concepts, competencies, and supporting activities of IO. This will ensure that the IP Community continues to be the Navy's leaders in the area of information dominance. This thesis provides recommended line items for injection into the IP IQ in the appropriate format with discussions and definitions that address the specific line items. The thesis also provides further recommendations for the continuing improvement and refinement of the IP qualification process, especially in the area of IO.