Future Role of Information Operations in Operational Art

摘要

This paper looks at the relationship between the rate of technology development and the role of information operations in the operational art. Computer processing power has doubled every two years since 1959 in accordance with Moore's Law, bringing with it a corresponding decrease in cost. Networking computers has exponentially increased the power of individual computers in accordance with Moore's Law. These technological phenomenon have produced the information age, where the ability to gather, process and exchange information is the source of power and wealth. The military is adapting to the information age, incorporating information systems in its infrastructure and exploring new warfighting concepts such as network centric warfare, that leverage the power of networks. The increasing integration of technology into weapons systems and operational concepts will increase the operational commanders capabilities and vulnerabilities. Without a corresponding increase in information operations capabilities and strategies, the best strategy can be defeated by successful destruction of information systems. Future operational commanders must understand the effects of increasing technological development and integration, and the increasing role and significance of information operations that corresponds with it.