U.S. Navy Unveils Strategic Blueprint for Information Warfare Operations

In August 2023, the U.S. Navy marked a pivotal change by creating a division dedicated to Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) within the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare (OPNAV N2N6). This new division is pivotal in setting policy, determining requirements, and securing resources for influence-related capabilities, synchronizing OPNAV’s efforts in the process.

Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, a key figure in this evolution, recently sanctioned an updated definition of U.S. Navy Operations in the Information Environment, or Navy OIE. This definition accentuates the indispensable role of cognitive effects in Navy strategies and activities.

As per the new definition, Navy OIE is understood as “The ability to create cognitive effects to achieve deterrent and warfighting advantages by shaping adversary attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors through influence activities and public messaging paired with Navy, Joint, and combined operations and activities.”

The significance of this definition lies in its emphasis on cognitive effects derived from influence activities like deception and operations security. It acknowledges that success requires integrating these influence activities with the Navy’s public affairs and leveraging technical capabilities such as electronic warfare and cyberspace operations.

This definition represents the Navy’s decision to adopt OIE as its chosen term, encapsulating the complex integration of influence and information capabilities to execute the Information Joint Function in alignment with Joint Force and national goals.

Rear Admiral Mike Brown, Director for Operations in the Information Environment, highlighted, “Faced with sophisticated state adversaries that drive relentless information campaigns against us, the elevation of Navy OIE will fortify our resilience, enhance our ability to shape the information environment, and strengthen crucial alliances and partnerships.”

Following this new definition, the OPNAV’s OIE team plans to issue an OIE Instruction. This will structure and streamline the Navy’s cognitive warfare capabilities, paving the way for new Navy OIE doctrine alongside innovative tactics, techniques, and procedures.