Collaboration Key To Network Warfare
Data sharing, coordination between commands enhances electronic, cyber combat missions. The Joint Information Operations Warfare Command (JIOWC) is responsible for coordinating a variety of information-based capabilities throughout the U.S. Defense Department. The JIOWC manages a range of operations such as deception and
psychological, electronic and cyber warfare.
Modern information operations cover a range of capabilities from psychological tactics to cyber warfare. They are designed to provide
The Joint Information Operations Warfare Command (JIOWC) is responsible for integrating information operations into the
The JIOWC’s commander, Maj. Gen. John C. Koziol, USAF, explains that his mission is to plan, coordinate and conduct information operations to directly support STRATCOM’s three lines of operations: global deterrence, space and cyber operations. The JIOWC also provides information operations expertise across the military’s geographic areas of responsibility in specific core areas. He says JIOWC supports combatant commanders’ information operations planning through the integrated use of operations security, military deception and electronic warfare as directed by STRATCOM. The JIOWC also works closely with the Joint Functional Component Command Network Warfare (JFCC-NW) and the Joint Military Information Support Command to help synchronize information operation efforts by leveraging these commands’ expertise in computer network operations and psychological operations.
Gen. Koziol notes that his command supports STRATCOM in several ways, such as assigning JIOWC personnel to serve as subject matter experts for developing information operations appendices for STRATCOM’s concept and operation plans. The JIOWC also helps develop STRATCOM’s strategic communications plan for current operations and exercises. “We have an exceptional team of information operations planners who have a deep understanding of cultural and social background of local populations that aids in our effective information operations and STRATCOM communications planning. Additionally, our planners partner with—and in some cases employ—a range of specialists such as psychologists, media analysts, business professionals and scholars. These communities help us gain a deeper understanding of global and regional problems in order to develop plans that use information operations to help shape the battle environment. Producing results with the right mix of expertise is a significant contribution to our parent command,” says the general.
To accomplish its mission, the JIOWC often seeks to leverage information operations capabilities of other organizations to meet warfighter requirements. “If we don’t know the answer, someone within our greater community of interest will,” Gen. Koziol says.
The command has additional input provided by on-site representatives from agencies such as the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Because community expertise is very important, the JIOWC works closely with service-specific assets such as the
The JIOWC also works with multiservice organizations such as the
As part of its mission, the JIOWC supports STRATCOM’s lines of operation when directed and combatant command information operations activities that cross geographic boundaries. To help execute these tasks, the JIOWC interfaces and coordinates efforts with the Joint Staff, the other services, the Department of Defense and civilian agencies. While it focuses on transregional issues as directed by STRATCOM, the general shares that the JIOWC can also provide specific niche expertise to its customers. For example, the JIOWC’s red teams can provide realistic and robust opposing force intelligence and network vulnerability analysis. The red teams also offer command and control structures to support joint force commanders in identifying and validating vulnerabilities through in-depth technical assessment and analysis.
The JIOWC staffs liaison officers at STRATCOM headquarters and at two of STRATCOM’s components, the JFCC-NW and the Global Innovation and
Collaboration is integral to the JIOWC’s mission. Gen. Koziol explains that the majority of his command’s information sharing is accomplished in a collaborative environment. “We have both joint standard and in-house developed toolsets and a group keeping those up-to-date. JIOWC has a well-trained and experienced Information Technology division that provides state-of-the-art IT [information technology] and communications support for local and deployed personnel,” he says.
Another of the JIOWC’s responsibilities is developing and producing lessons learned for information operations applications. Gen. Koziol notes that most organizations with a lessons-learned program look across a wide range of functional areas. In contrast, the command’s Joint Lessons Learned Program–Information Operations (JLLP-IO) only focuses on information operations. The JLLP-IO analyzes many operations and exercises to capture a variety of information operations-related observations, lessons learned and other issues.
The general explains that the JIOWC selects important observations, lessons learned or issues deemed significant enough to warrant submission to the JLLP system for resolution. In the case of a previously submitted issue, the JIOWC will highlight its importance to STRATCOM, the involved combatant command or the
In supporting Defense Department initiatives, such as counter improvised explosive device (IED) operations, the general says that the JIOWC, within its joint electronic warfare advocacy role, works closely with the combatant commands, the services and the Joint IED Defeat Organization to ensure electronic warfare aspects of counter-IED missions are considered. However, despite its support and advisory role, he adds that the command does not conduct modeling/simulation programs focused on cyber warfare scenarios.
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