Tactical military deception

Abstract

This is a study of deception in military operations with emphasis on the Army division level. The thesis is developed from empirical data, fundamental processes, and decision-making processes. It is a comprehensive analysis of the battlefield deception process and is a basic guide to deception planning. The thesis formulates a theory for operational military deception as an extension of the pioneering work of Barton Whaley. Whaley's deception data base is analyzed to show trends in operational deception. These trends are combined with pertinent elements of game, communication, organization, and systems theory as well as decision-making and perceptual and cognitive processes. As a result of this study, the author presents conclusions and recommendations on how deception might be better applied to support U.S. Army division operations.