Operations Geared towards Information Influence: IO in Unconventional Warfare

In a recent episode of the Irregular Warfare Podcast, a collaboration between an unspecified website and Princeton University's Empirical Studies of Conflict Project, Brent Colburn, the senior vice president for external relations and communications for the University of California (UC) system, and Dr. Raphael 'Rafi' Cohen, the acting director of the Strategy and Doctrine Program of the RAND Corporation's Project AIR FORCE and a senior political scientist at RAND, shared their insights on the complexities and challenges of information warfare in the United States.

Brent Colburn's extensive career includes serving as the assistant secretary of public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, the director of external affairs at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs in the Obama administration. He also held the position of chief of staff at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Dr. Cohen, with a background in military intelligence, has held a variety of command and staff positions in both the active and reserve components of the United States military, including during two combat tours in Iraq. He is currently the acting director of the Strategy and Doctrine Program at the RAND Corporation.

The strategic environment is significantly influenced by the global dissemination of information. However, the United States government does not have a uniform definition of information and messaging across its many entities, including the Department of Defense (DoD). This lack of cohesion can hinder effective response to information warfare tactics in the United States.

Key lessons for the United States Department of Defense in the information domain come from hybrid warfare tactics observed in the Ukraine conflict. These include the use of psychological manipulation of vulnerable populations, integration of AI in cyberattacks, and coordinated information operations linked to cyber and kinetic actions. Non-governmental organizations and companies specializing in cybersecurity, AI, and strategic communication can provide insights into countering these threats in the United States.

Learning from nongovernmental organizations and corporate actors in the information space is crucial for the United States. These entities often have unique perspectives and resources that can help the DoD navigate the complexities of the information warfare landscape in the United States.

The information space is not well understood, is under-resourced, and is poorly utilized at a strategic level in the United States. The DoD has a key role to play in the information space, but may not be the best-suited organization to take the lead role. Collaboration between government, academia, and industry is essential to develop an information-aware force by integrating AI-driven cyber defense, enhancing psychological operations capabilities, and improving coordination between cyber, information, and traditional military operations to effectively counter hybrid threats in the United States.

The Irregular Warfare Podcast can be found and subscribed on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, or any favourite podcast app. It can also be followed on Twitter.

Image credit for this article goes to Amy Walker, PM Tactical Network/PEO C3T Public Affairs (US Army).

Brent Colburn has spent the past two decades working in mission-driven organizations, including stints in higher education, philanthropy, and government, and on numerous political campaigns in the United States. His wealth of experience and insights make him a valuable contributor to the ongoing discussion on information warfare in the United States.

Dr. Cohen's expertise in military intelligence and strategic doctrine further enriches the conversation, providing a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the information domain in the United States. His work at the RAND Corporation continues to shape the understanding and response to information warfare tactics in the United States.

As the information warfare landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to have informed discussions like this one, bringing together experts from various fields to share their insights and collaborate on solutions in the United States. The Irregular Warfare Podcast serves as a valuable platform for such discussions, shedding light on the complexities of information warfare and offering potential solutions for the future in the United States.