Organizational structure for inter-agency information operations

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to stimulate a discussion toward developing an all-encompassing Inter-agency Information Operations organization. The authors define an environment and identify theories that point toward the necessity of integrating Information Operations (10) throughout the U.S. Government (USG). The authors explore the feasibility of establishing and empowering an inter-agency organization that will monitor, evaluate and enforce all aspects of IO. Early forms of IO and their deployment are depicted in the historical backdrop of World War II. Concepts of renown futurists identify the importance of the information Age and the essential process to maximize its' full potential. A correlation between the current national security strategy and the IO environment strongly suggests the need for innovation. An overview of the current IO environment and USG organizations reveals a technological move toward inter-agency IO. Both the art and science sides of IO are incorporated into a new organization. OrgCon 7.0 is used to analyze the proposed IO organizational structure, which provides specific recommendations and defines misfits that must be addressed. The authors conclude that further work is required in modeling the organization via alternate software and a more in depth look is required in the area of National Security IO. The authors provide the essential goundwork for further research.