Perception Management and Coalition Information Operations

This thesis focuses on the conduct of perception management PM within coalitions. Research has alluded to the possibility of predicting human behavior by creating stories that convey a believable reality. Further, does PM have any organizational process relationship with engagement planning Target selection Press statement coordination The thesis focuses on how well coalitions are poised to conduct integrated PM operations. It identifies current PM capabilities by studying two recent coalition operations and determines how to best coordinate integration efforts. The purpose of this study is to analyze various methods of perception management and determine how they can be incorporated into current US Information Operations. One area of study will be the importance of credibility of our leaders when placed in a position of authority. This study will show that credibility is one of the toughest factors to achieve. A second area of study will be the value of story telling in gaining populace support and validation for intervening in conflicts that require the use of force and soldiers. As Stephen Pease said, the message must be believable, though not necessarily true. Stephen Pease 1950