Marine Corps Operating Concept for Information Operations

The Marine Corps warfighting philosophy of maneuver warfare seeks to shatter the enemy s cohesion through a series of rapid, violent, and unexpected actions to create a turbulent and deteriorating situation with which he cannot cope. The Marine Corps conducts Information Operations IO as the integration, coordination, and synchronization of all actions taken in the Information Environment IE to affect a target s behavior in order to create an operational advantage for the commander. As such, the Marine Air Ground Task Force MAGTF executes IO as an inherent element of all operations to enable and enhance the overall ability to conduct successful military actions. Information Operations is a natural extension and evolution of the Marine Corps combined arms mind-set and maneuverist tradition of taking the initiative in both the physical and cognitive dimensions. The Marine Corps recognizes the potential of IO as a critical combat multiplier through the incorporation of IO into an expanded operational planning mindset which supports both the Marine Corps operational requirements as well as the joint force commander s needs. IO, whether applied in shaping the operational environment to deter conflict or in enabling decisive maneuver, must be recognized as an essential enabling activity that facilitates development of an operational advantage for the commander. The Marine Corps will continue to build upon its expeditionary heritage and combined arms philosophy. Used as a natural extension of combined arms, IO will create critical opportunities which will allow future Marine Forces to project combat power more advantageously in support of MAGTF commander, JFC, and GCC objectives.