Defensive Information Operations in Support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force

Currently the Marine Corps has no doctrine for information operations (IO). The Marine Corps Doctrine Division has published an IO concept paper from which to guide the development of IO doctrine. In joint and other service doctrine, IO is defined in both as an offensive and defensive capability. This thesis only discusses defensive IO (DIO) and will attempt to provide the reader with insight into how the MAGTF could conduct DIO. A USMC concept paper on IO, joint IO doctrine, and sister service IO doctrine were used to provide an understanding of how IO and DIO are defined by each. Additionally, analysis of the DIO threat and an overview of current MAGTF capabilities to conduct each of element of DIO (information assurance, physical security, operational security, counterintelligence, counterpropaganda, counterdeception, and electronic warfare) is provided. The thesis also analyzes historical examples of each DIO element to demonstrate relevance of each to MAGTF operations. Conclusions and recommendations are provided for each DIO element. This thesis demonstrates the need for DIO in support of the MAGTF and how the MAGTF should incorporate DIO into their service IO doctrine.