A Challenging Mix: Information Operations and Public Affairs

Abstract

Abstract : Troops have crossed the line of departure, 1st Lt. Lyle Gilbert said, indicating to the media the start of the offensive between coalition forces and insurgents within the city of Fallujah. Hours later, CNN reporters discovered the attack had not begun, and the actual attack did not commence for three weeks. The Pentagon later announced that the Lieutenant's remark was part of a psychological operation (psy-op) intent on creating a tactical advantage for the coalition by triggering a response from the insurgents. Troubled by the apparent fabrication, both military members and civilians argue that the release of false information from public affairs to the media is unacceptable, regardless of the intent. The debate over the integration of public affairs with information operations (IO) is not new, but it is strained by the growing influence of media within the battle space. On one hand, some maintain that the role of military public affairs is to provide truthful and reliable information to the public media, and any association with IO will damage its credibility. On the other hand, the lack of contributions of public affairs to the IO campaign hinders the military's ability to access and influence public information. The growing impact of public information on the modern battle space, however, necessitates the integration of public affairs and IO, and only through a coordinated and truthful effort can the U.S. military employ an effective IO plan.