Electronic Warfare (EW) historical perspectives and its relationship to Information Operations (IO)-considerations for Turkey

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is the exploration of the relationship and interaction between Electronic Warfare (EW) and Information Operations (IO) core, supporting and related competencies. Understanding the definitions of information and its value, information superiority, and the decision making cycle provides the foundation for the thesis. Investigation of the historical transformation of EW from the U.S. Civil War to the First Gulf War, and also examining how the concept of IO has developed and evolved contributes to this study by helping to comprehend the modern day interaction between EW and each IO competency separately. This interaction is constructed upon the guidance and standards provided by the latest U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Publication Joint Publication 3-13 Information Operations. This study concludes that the relationship between EW and IO is increasingly interactive and consists of two aspects: limiting and interfering, and reinforcing and supporting. Also, the relationship between EW and each IO competency is not consistent between the core and supporting competencies. In addition to these conclusions, this study expresses some considerations for EW and IO applications with respect to the unique environment and requirements of the Turkish Republic.