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Achieving systemic information operations for Australian defence

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Abstract

This document describes a proposed program of research into theories, methodologies and techniques appropriate to achieving a systemic Military Inforamtion Operations capability for the Australian Defence Force. The major expected outcomes of this research are decision support aids relevant to Information Operations, contributions to the theory of Information Operations and contributions to IO Policy and Doctrine. The doctrine would include matters relating to the design of organisations that are capable of operating effectively in an Information Operations environment.

Executive Summary

This document describes a proposed program of research into theories, methodologies and techniques appropriate to achieving a systemic Military Information Operations capability for the Australian Defence Force. The methodologies that are identified as of potential value include both so-called soft methodologies as well as rigorous quantitative methodologies. Soft methodologies are included in recognition of the fact that human factors are of pivotal significance in addressing the impact of Information Operations. In fact, it is proposed that soft methodologies play the primary role in analysis, with rigorous quantitative methodologies having only a subservient, but complementary, role. For example, they may be used to test the internal consistency and feasibility of conclusions arising from the application of soft methodologies. They may also assist in clarifying the implications of various available decision options. The soft methodology that currently appears to be most applicable to Military Information Operations is Checkland’s Soft Systems Methodology and some emphasis is placed on this methodology in the present document. Other soft methodologies also exist which may prove to be superior for specialised applications, or which may have complementary contributions to make. Therefore, part of the proposed research includes further investigation into such soft methodologies. The reason for the pre-eminence of human factors in Military Information Operations is that such operations are concerned with Command and Control functions and processes. Human judgement is fundamental to Command and Control for a number of reasons. Perhaps the most basic of these is that it is ultimately a matter of human judgement whether one military end-state is more satisfactory than another. The task of making such an assessment could never in principle be delegated to a presently conceivable mathematical algorithm or machine, because it relies so intimately on human considerations, and also on the accountability of the human decision-maker. Nonetheless, it should be possible for a machine to aid a human decision-maker to ensure that his decision is soundly based on all relevant considerations. One of the major outcomes from the proposed research is expected to be a family of decision support aids relevant to Information Operations. These are expected to be realised through an interplay of soft systems methodologies, rigorous analytical methodologies and traditional systems engineering. The traditional systems engineering aspects of the work would not in themselves constitute research and therefore it may be appropriate to arrange for parts of this to be performed by industry, under contract. The other major expected outcomes, beside decision support aids are contributions to the theory of Information Operations and contributions to IO Policy and Doctrine. This doctrine would include matters relating to the design of organisations that are capable of operating effectively in an Information Operations environment.

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