The Defense Department released a new strategy document today that it aims to enhance the ability to plan, resource and apply information operations to improve national security.
The new strategy, “2023 Department of Defense Strategy for Operations in the Information Environment,” was congressionally mandated in the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act and is aligned with the 2022 National Defense Strategy.
It came about as the result of a 2018 Government Accountability Office report that noted DOD should improve leadership and integration efforts in the information space, a defense official said.
The new strategy aims to streamline and integrate DOD information sharing, resourcing, policies and procedures related to operations in the information environment, the official said.
The strategy also “guides the department to plan, resource and apply informational power to compete against adversaries and support allies and partners, as well as the interagency,” the strategic analyst said, adding that artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies will have roles to play.
A Defense Department internal “Strategy for Operations in the Information Environment Implementation Plan” will describe the timeline for full implementation of the strategy, to include tracking milestones and benchmarks, based on the complexity of each task.
A related forum for addressing challenges to operations in the information environment is Phoenix Challenge, an ongoing series of events designed for government, industry, academic and allied collaboration. It is led by the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy.
“The 2023 Strategy for Operations in the Information Environment will support the department in promoting integrated deterrence against our strategic adversaries and non-state actors, while enhancing our ability to foster collaboration with our allies and partners,” the strategic analyst noted. “It’s another step towards more effectively safeguarding U.S. national security and promoting a more secure international environment.”