US Special Operations Official Discusses Information Operations Amidst Cyber Command Cuts

Competing in the Information Arena

• 🎯 Information operations are considered as potent and valuable as kinetic strikes within irregular warfare.
• 🤝 Coordination for these operations resides within the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict organization, facilitating collaboration across combatant commands, DoD, and sister agencies like the State Department.

Concerns Over SOF Cuts and Information Warfare Capacity

• ✂️ Senator Shaheen expresses concern that significant cuts to Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel, particularly in Military Information Support Operations (MISO), may hinder the U.S. ability to compete.
• 🇨🇳 China is reportedly spending $1.1 billion annually on information operations, disinformation, and misinformation, while U.S. presence in key regions has diminished.
• ⚠️ The U.S. faces challenges in competing due to a perceived lack of a clear leader for information operations across defense, state, and the administration, compounded by recent leadership changes.

U.S. Spending and Infrastructure

• 💰 When asked about U.S. spending on messaging strategy compared to China's billion-dollar investment, the official acknowledges that the Department of Defense spends significantly less.
• 📉 The U.S. is described as not being able to match China's operations due to a lack of infrastructure, with the dismantling of the Global Engagement Center and Voice of America cited as examples.
• 📻 Traditional U.S. media relied upon since the Cold War for messaging and accurately reflecting U.S. positions against adversaries is being dismantled.

The Critical Role of Information Operations

• 💡 General Fenton emphasizes that information operations are absolutely critical, stating that while they may not win a war outright like artillery, they can certainly lead to losing one if not prioritized.
• 🗣️ There is a perceived void in the information space not being filled by U.S. messaging, which adversaries are exploiting with misinformation and disinformation.
• 🌍 Special Operations Command professionals work to fill this void, often in concert with country teams and embassies, to reassure populations and deter adversaries.