Information Warfare

Target audience analysis, influence operations, center of gravity analysis, strategic communications, and analytical frameworks for information operations.

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)

The TAAW is a structured methodology for analyzing target audiences to support influence operations.

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

1. Refined Target Audience - Categorize and refine beyond the Potential Target Audience List (PTAL)
2. Achievability - Rate using control, barriers, and effect size
3. Conditions - Cause-and-effect analysis of internal/external factors
4. Vulnerability - HPEM analysis and exploitable attributes
5. Susceptibility - Trust in channels, communication frequency, existing beliefs
6. Accessibility - Credible and frequently used communication channels
7. Arguments - Alignment with vulnerabilities leading to SPO achievement
8. Assessment Criteria - Specific, measurable criteria aligned with HPEM

Analytical Frameworks

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:

1. Define the Operational Environment
2. Determine COGs for All Parties (Friendly, Adversary, Host Nation)
3. Identify Critical Capabilities
4. Identify Critical Requirements
5. Identify Critical Vulnerabilities
6. Develop Courses of Action

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)

• Structured Analytic Techniques - Formal analytical methods for reducing bias

Behavioral Analysis

• Behavior Analysis - Understanding behavioral patterns and motivations

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

• Influence - Influence operations concepts and case studies
• Identify Influencers using the TAAW - Order of Merit List methodology

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

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

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

• 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.

Tools

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

• Research & OSINT - Research methodologies and datasets
• Unmanned Systems - ISR and reconnaissance platforms
• National Strategy and Reports - Government strategies