How to Organize the Headquarters for Information Operations at the Division and Brigade

As the Army transforms to a modular force, the issue of information operations is a topic for leaders at all levels. A particular issue is how to organize the unit staff to plan, prepare, and execute information operations. Currently, units at the brigade and division level are trying various methods of incorporating staff officers and noncommissioned officers into the planning process for information operations. Some units are approaching the problem of integrating information operations into operations with the use of an Effects Coordination Cell. Other units have Information Operations Working Group and a Fires Cell. With this in mind, what are marked benefits to the Effects Coordination Cell methodology as opposed to the separate Information Operations Working Group and Fires Cell? The challenge for this study is to determine which is the more efficient method, determining what is gained and if the process should be standard across the Army. Using Army doctrine and military journals, the study of information operations planning and the implications were limited to brigade and division headquarters. Considerations of available resources, the commander's intent and numerous other factors lead to the conclusion that the Effects Coordination Cell is the best way for these headquarters to organize.