Information Warfare
Information Warfare
Section titled “Information Warfare”Target audience analysis, influence operations, center of gravity analysis, strategic communications, and analytical frameworks for information operations.
Getting Started
Section titled “Getting Started”| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| TAAW Review | Target Audience Analysis Worksheet review process |
| Center of Gravity Analysis | COG identification and analysis methodology |
| PMESII-PT Framework | Comprehensive operational environment analysis |
Target Audience Analysis Worksheet (TAAW)
Section titled “Target Audience Analysis Worksheet (TAAW)”The TAAW is a structured methodology for analyzing target audiences to support influence operations.
TAAW Workflow
Section titled “TAAW Workflow”| Step | Resource |
|---|---|
| Research | Researching for a TAAW |
| Review | TAAW Review Process |
| Citation | Citing a TAAW |
| Documentation | Creating an Intellipedia Page for a TAAW |
| Influencer ID | Identify Influencers using the TAAW |
TAAW Eight Attributes
Section titled “TAAW Eight Attributes”- Refined Target Audience - Categorize and refine beyond the Potential Target Audience List (PTAL)
- Achievability - Rate using control, barriers, and effect size
- Conditions - Cause-and-effect analysis of internal/external factors
- Vulnerability - HPEM analysis and exploitable attributes
- Susceptibility - Trust in channels, communication frequency, existing beliefs
- Accessibility - Credible and frequently used communication channels
- Arguments - Alignment with vulnerabilities leading to SPO achievement
- Assessment Criteria - Specific, measurable criteria aligned with HPEM
Analytical Frameworks
Section titled “Analytical Frameworks”Center of Gravity (COG) Analysis
Section titled “Center of Gravity (COG) Analysis”The COG represents the source of power that provides moral or physical strength, freedom of action, or will to act.
- COG Analysis Guide - Complete methodology
- Religion in COG Analysis - Religious factors in COG assessment
- ROOBRICK Tool - Collaborative COG Analysis with customizable weights
COG Analysis Steps:
- Define the Operational Environment
- Determine COGs for All Parties (Friendly, Adversary, Host Nation)
- Identify Critical Capabilities
- Identify Critical Requirements
- Identify Critical Vulnerabilities
- Develop Courses of Action
PMESII-PT Framework
Section titled “PMESII-PT Framework”A comprehensive analytical tool examining seven key domains:
| Domain | Description |
|---|---|
| Political | Political alliances, resistance, diplomatic efforts |
| Military | Military relationships, posture, cooperation |
| Economic | Trade agreements, investments, dependencies |
| Social | Social programs, cultural exchanges, education |
| Information | Information operations, narratives, propaganda |
| Infrastructure | Critical infrastructure projects and dependencies |
| Physical Terrain | Strategic terrain features, chokepoints, resources |
| Time | Weather patterns, holidays, operational timing |
See: PMESII-PT Framework Guide
Structured Analytic Techniques (SATs)
Section titled “Structured Analytic Techniques (SATs)”- Structured Analytic Techniques - Formal analytical methods for reducing bias
Behavioral Analysis
Section titled “Behavioral Analysis”- Behavior Analysis - Understanding behavioral patterns and motivations
Hierarchy of Psychological Effects Model (HPEM)
Section titled “Hierarchy of Psychological Effects Model (HPEM)”Referenced in TM 3-53.11 Chapter 2, the HPEM provides a framework for:
- Aligning desired behavior with assessment criteria
- Identifying where target audiences fall concerning SMO/DB
- Measuring progress toward psychological objectives
Influence Operations
Section titled “Influence Operations”- Influence - Influence operations concepts and case studies
- Identify Influencers using the TAAW - Order of Merit List methodology
Influencer Evaluation Criteria
Section titled “Influencer Evaluation Criteria”| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Reach of TA | Substantial and active following among target audience |
| Engagement Rate | Likes, comments, shares indicating active participation |
| Platform Suitability | Primary platform matches TA preferences |
| Content Style | Alignment with TA interests and values |
| Credibility & Trust | Perceived expertise, authenticity, reliability |
| Cultural Suitability | Alignment with linguistic and cultural context |
Research & Intelligence
Section titled “Research & Intelligence”For detailed research methodologies, see the Research & OSINT section:
- Research Preparation - Planning research operations
- Research Datasets - Curated data sources
- Research Tools - Platforms for data gathering
Doctrine & References
Section titled “Doctrine & References”Joint Publications
Section titled “Joint Publications”- JP 1-02 - DOD Dictionary of Military Terms
- JP 3-0 - Joint Operations
- JP 5-0 - Joint Planning (PMESII-PT coverage)
- TM 3-53.11 - Hierarchy of Psychological Effects Model
Academic References
Section titled “Academic References”- Ware III, Charles M., and Aaron Siebenaller. “IDENTIFYING INFLUENCERS FOR PSYOP.” NPS, 2021.
- Wingate, Alexander R., Kyle M. Gerik, and John A. Benson. “ANALYZING KEY COMMUNICATORS.” NPS, 2022.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ROOBRICK | Collaborative COG Analysis |
| Draw.io | Mind maps and diagrams (no login) |
| Gephi | Network visualization and analysis |
| Cryptpad | E2EE collaborative spreadsheets |
Related Pages
Section titled “Related Pages”- Research & OSINT - Research methodologies and datasets
- Unmanned Systems - ISR and reconnaissance platforms
- National Strategy and Reports - Government strategies