Ideas & Issues (C4/OIE) 07XX Information Activities Occupational Field Expanding information capabilities by Maj Antony J. Andrious & Capt John Parry

n more than 50 years and three strategic defeats later, the U.S. military enterprise now concep- >Maj Andrious is a Communication Strategy and Operations officer. Among his tually realizes that victory re- operational and exercise deployment experience, he has extensive operational Iquires more than where it physically and force planning experience from the MEF, MEB and HQMC level, as well as a special operations planner (SOPLE) for Operation Noble eagle. He is a force designer manifests its forces on the ground. and planner who is one of the architects of the new COMMSTRAT occupational In 2009, then-Gen James N. Mattis field. His previous assignment was the CO, Marine Detachment, Fort Meade, MD. stated, “capturing perceptions is the He is currently serving as the Operations Officer for the Headquarters Marine new high ground in today’s conflicts, Corps, Communication Directorate (CD). as moral is to the materiel as three is 1 to one.” Mattis, serving as Secretary >Capt Parry is a Communication Strategy and Operations officer and Instructor in of Defense, and Gen Joseph Dunford, the Public Affairs and Communication Strategy Directorate at the Defense Infor- serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, mation School located at Fort Meade, MD. He has served at II MEF, the School of formalized information as a warfighting Infantry, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, and the Communication Directorate. He function in 2017. The Marine Corps has deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation OAKEN LOTUS. now paves the way for the development of information after having established the Marine Expeditionary Force Infor- mation Groups (MIGs) three years ago and investing millions of dollars and We must communicate with precision and consis- thousands of people into building the Marine Corps’ information warfight- tency, based on a common focus and a unified mes- ing capacity and capabilities. From the sage. new occupational fields (OccFlds) of Communication Strategy and Opera- —Gen David H. Berger tions (COMMSTRAT), Psychologi- cal Operations (PsyOp), Civil Affairs (CA), and Cyber to new investments quired to make them successful. First, Corps in allocated manpower, time, and developments in space and electro- the minimal integration of COM- and money both for the Total Force magnetic spectrum warfare, the Marine MSTRAT, PsyOp, and CA—which Structure Process and the Fleet Ma- Corps has never seen such expansion form the backbone of the inform and rine Force. Finally, the Marine Corps in information capabilities. Since the influence tasks under information— grows each of these fields independent establishment of the MIGs, it became does not make the single battle concept of the others where no true experts in evident in the early days that informa- easy to achieve as multiple messengers communication emerge to support tion capabilities are interdependent on targeting the same audience can lead the legal, moral, and ethical influence each other with similar, complemen- to information fratricide. Second, the needs of the Service. The Marine Corps tary, core competencies. COMMSTRAT, PsyOp, and CA must unify the information activities However, the interdependent ca- OccFlds all fall under independent OccFlds for COMMSTRAT, PsyOp, pabilities of COMMSTRAT, PsyOp, proponents, which leads to significant and CA to build efficiencies, develop and CA lack the doctrinal tenants re- and costly inefficiencies for the Marine true experts for communication, and

WE60 www.mca-marines.org/gazette Marine Corps Gazette • April 2020 improve support for the warfighter in aspects of military operations. The cog- take up exorbitant amounts of time in planning and execution of the human nitive, social-psychological aspects of working groups, operational advisory aspects of military operations. human behavior in areas of persuasion groups (OAG), operational planning The establishment of the Deputy and influence remain as effervescent as teams, etc. Authority naysayers must Commandant for Information (DC a rainbow; continuing to evade opera- stop finding comfort in thwarting and I) for the Marine Corps signaled that tional planning and capabilities neces- monopolizing precious time in working operations in the information environ- sary for strategic success. The Marine groups. The Marine Corps can only ment (OIE) will have a central role in Corps must address this fragmentation demonstrate the utility of its current the planning and execution of military by ensuring unity of effort and team- capabilities by consolidating them and operations in the Service. It is some- work to improve the Service’s ability developing true experts in planning and thing the military has always operated to address this center of gravity in the execution for shaping the human aspect in; however, lessons learned from re- battlespace. of the battlespace. cent conflicts have led to a significant The Marine Corps must embrace a The Marine Corps’ solution to this increase in U.S. military investment in unique opportunity to demonstrate util- gap is the creation of a new OccFld resources and human capital to define ity with its tactical influence capabilities with all the resident inform and influ- and develop the suite of OIE warfight- which are necessary to win against the ence capabilities necessary to effectively ing capabilities. As stated in January pacing threat and dominate near-peer navigate and succeed within the hu- 2020, the Joint Memorandum signed competitors in a great power contest man aspects of military operations. The by the Deputy Commandants for Com- bat Development and Integration (DC CDI) and DC I establishes definitions for information-related terms to com- The Marine Corps’ solution to this gap is the creation municate with precision and consis- of a new OccFld with all the resident inform and in- tency, based on a common focus and a unified message across the Marine fluence capabilities necessary to effectively navigate Corps.2 As defined, OIE are actions and succeed within the human aspects of military op- taken to generate, preserve, or apply military information power to increase erations. and protect competitive advantage or combat potential within all domains of the operational environment.3 The current national objectives and of perceptions. The U.S. military has Marine Corps merely needs to use the hybrid warfare threat posed by the established a unique place where it current manpower to unify the COM- Chinese dragon and the Russian bear can weaponize truth and credibility MSTRAT, PsyOp, and CA OccFlds means these nations will continue to to establish information superiority under a single information activities poke and prod the American eagle; the over enemies, adversaries, and aggres- OccFld, which means zero growth to difference is these two nations do not sive state actors. MEF OIE capabilities personnel and zero budget increases: it have the earned trust and credibility the currently exceed the ability of the DOD just takes creativity, reorganization of American eagle has demonstrated over to delegate the level of authorities given current personnel structure, and devo- two centuries.4 Currently, the Marine to them. A path to demonstrate util- tion to Marine identity and not legacy Corps, or the joint force for that mat- ity of the MIG, and then graduate to OccFlds. Information capabilities are ter, does not have an OccFld of subject eventual delegation of said authorities, highly competitive professions and in matter experts in the human aspects of puts the Marine Corps in a position of high demand within the private sector. military operations. Specifically, com- strength when apportioning, allocating, For the Marine Corps to compete with munication influence capabilities are and assigning MEF information warf- the private sector, “Marine opportuni- fragmented and provide stove-piped lev- ighting capabilities to the geographic ties” must be made available. Because els of expertise, which increase the time combatant commands (GCCs), which current, petite OccFlds cannot offer it takes for commanders to make criti- is where the authority lies for all military similar opportunities in operations cal decisions—which in turn reduces operations. As the MIG continues to and command positions to create an competitive advantage in informational demonstrate high, operational utility effective career map, the Marine Corps power. OIE has also required heavy in- and tempo at the GCC level, the MIG will fail in manning and developing the vestment in cyber and electronic war- will prove that the authorities currently required personnel to employ its capa- fare. While these crucial capabilities are exceeding the MEF level can reside at bilities focused on the human features currently the “shiny object,” the focus the MEF based on proof of concept via of the battlespace. on new technology can mislead and a record of proven responsibility dur- The 07XX Information Activities distract the military community from ing GCC-level operations. Nonetheless, OccFld model is based on the 02XX recognizing the reliance on the human the authority’s argument continues to Marine Intelligence OccFld. Every

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02XX Marine is a rifle Marine and command slated status and general of- While new investments are necessary, then an intelligence Marine. The ficer growth. Resident within these lead- the first and most effective approach Marine intelligence community has ership positions are the commensurate, is to better use the force at hand by built a relevant, necessary intelligence implied officer positions of platoon com- improving the way the joint force em- capability and capacity that exceeds mander, executive officer, operations of- ploys its current assets. Information Service-specific, joint, and interagency ficer, battalion commander, regimental/ capabilities are less expensive than operational and tactical intelligence re- MIG commander, and enlisted positions physical combat power capabilities.9 quirements. Additionally, the Marine of company master sergeant/first ser- The 07XX OccFld does not require intelligence community has established geant, operations chief, battalion mas- heavy investment into doctrine and official, understood OccFld road maps ter gunnery sergeant, etc. Additionally, policy, organization, training and that effectively compete for promotion this new OccFld will create information education, materiel, leadership and and retention. The 07XX information activities companies within each MIG, communication synchronization, activities OccFld also puts “boutique” and eventually, Information activity bat- personnel, and facilities in support and “straggler,” petite OccFlds in one talions. The aforementioned leadership of the Total Force Structure Process. OccFld affording the same opportuni- billets are currently stove-piped in legacy Once the 07XX OccFld is established, ties similar to the big four OccFlds; OccFlds of PsyOp, CA, and COM- each Marine would attend the Defense infantry, aviation, communications, and MSTRAT with little to no chance of Information School. This entry-level logistics. This increases operational rel- ever serving in such a billet. Currently, school will teach enlisted Marines to evance and tactical application of like as petite OccFlds, there are three PsyOp use communication tools such as vid- capabilities while simultaneously profes- companies, three COMMSTRAT com- eography, photography, and graphic sionalizing petite OccFlds and increas- panies, three CA battalions (command design, develop digital media strate- ing promotability and retention. selected), nine CA companies, and three gies using creative content, and un- Built by merging current Marine CA groups (regimental command colo- derstand how to and use social media Corps communication capabilities, the nel billets). Let’s call a spade a spade. As tools as creative mediums to influence 07XX OccFld is comprised of COM- these petite OccFlds stand, competitive- target audiences—all areas to influ- MSTRAT, CA, and PsyOps while ab- ness, retention, and promotability is low; ence human behavior, which is why sorbing the coordinating function of the furthermore, the MAGTF has demon- PsyOp uses such service members. For legacy information operations special- strated that as they currently stand in Marine officers, each will understand ties. This provides the Marine Corps their entirety, each OccFld is used for the planning process, communication with a better organized, equipped, and parts and pieces for influence and not strategy planning, research and assess- structured information unit that pro- in their entirety—this is good! It forces ment, media operations, crisis com- vide the MAGTF and Marine-Navy each legacy OccFld to find its relevance munication—all of which are built integrated forces with a tactical and and place among military operations. on a common understanding of truth operational influence capabilities. This The 07XX information activities Oc- and credibility by building strength OccFld takes the best of legacy capabili- cFld does just that, providing the best, through truth. After an 07XX Marine’s ties and places them with the relevant high-demand core competencies nec- first tour as a legacy COMMSTRAT parts and pieces the Marine Corps needs essary “to generate, preserve, or apply Marine (0702), they now qualify for to “increase and protect competitive military information power to increase additional military occupational spe- advantage or combat power potential and protect competitive advantage of cialties (AMOS), which qualify them within all domains of the operational combat power potential within all do- to become a tactical influence Marine environment.”5 The 07XX information mains of the operational environment.”8 (PsyOp–0720/21), or CA Marine activities OccFld will provide a profes- Tactical action(s) must be relevant (0730/31), or OIE planner (0750). sionalized OccFld capability with the to the strategic desired state. Therefore, Along a Marine’s career within the commensurate level of education, orga- the Marine Corps becomes an integral 07XX information activities OccFld, nization, and operational applicability player in our Nation’s strategic goals they are able to stay within an Occ‑ to be successful in the human aspects using maneuver units to break down Fld, diversify their level of expertise, of military operations. There is no an adversary in the cognitive domain: and maintain competitiveness with the 6 such OccFld in the DOD. The CPG Excellent tactics and physical capabil- same opportunities as a Marine in one states, “Joint operations are a warfight- ity are irrelevant if they do not achieve of the big four OccFlds, which will ing advantage and the Marine Corps strategic aims. Physical destruction ultimately build a path for senior levels must fully embrace our role as a criti- rarely defines strategic success. More of command with the requisite experi- cal enabler to the Joint Force.”7 07XX often, strategic success is defined in the ence to provide the appropriate advice information activities OccFld achieves cognitive domain, which is manifested and counsel to general officer staffs and this important milestone. by collective social behaviors. Second, the joint force. If each OccFld stands The 07XX information activities Oc- implementing the information func- alone, they will continue to fight for cFld will provide more than 22 leader- tion is not an argument for massive relevancy, marginalize themselves by ship billets, which, over time, justify investment in influence capabilities. ending up in the “special staff,” and

WE62 www.mca-marines.org/gazette Marine Corps Gazette • April 2020 OccFld Name: Information Activities The 7 represents the 7th warfighting 2. Headquarters Marine Corps, Joint Memoran- OccFld Designator: 07XX function of Information dum, Definitions for Information Related Terms, (Washington, DC: 2020). Notional OccFld MOS Series: 3. Ibid.

• 0700/1: Entry level Career Roadmap PME 4. The White House, National Security Strategy • 0702: COMMSTRAT Officer • 0735: CMO Planner of the United States of America, (Washington, o Baseline MOS for all AMOSs • 0739: CMO Chief DC: December 2017). • 0703: Info Activities Visual Info Officer • 0750: OIE Officer Planner • 0705: COMMSTRAT Planner (Replaces IO Planner?) (Graduate Program) • 0751: OIE Chief 5. Ibid. See also Joint Memorandum. • 0711: Videographer • 0755: MILDEC Planner includes • 0712: Photographer advanced education 6. Some will argue that psychological opera- • 0713: Graphics • 0760: Information Strategy and tions, civil affairs, and public affairs are those • 0714: Marketing and Advertising Political Warfare Planner OccFlds. All three OccFlds are stove-piped and (MCRC) (Graduate Program) do not meet the CPG intent to divest of legacy • 0791: Info Activities Chief (E6-E9) • 0762: CAOCL Planner think. The Marine Corps has demonstrated Additional MOSs • 8041: AC/S G-3/9; COLONEL; that, as a Service, it has not invested heavily into • 0720: PSYOP Officer Director of Info Activities, an organic PsyOp OccFld by only authorizing • 0721: PSYOP Specialist COMMSTRAT LEADER - 200 enlisted personnel structure with no officer • 0725: Advanced PSYOP Planner PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER / PMOS personnel structure; Civil affairs was • 0730: Civil Affairs Officer Director decimated during Future Force 2025; Public • 0731: Civil Affairs Planner *Owning our COI increases Officer competitive- affairs and combat camera are dead and the • 0732: Civil Affairs Specialist ness, retention, and attractiveness to the service* Marine Corps no longer does either—only • 0734: Female Engagement Officer * Each Marine a communicator first, then be- aspects of. Additionally, U.S. Army PsyOp • 0738: Female Engagement comes an expert influencer throughout career* belongs to Special Operations Command and Specialist not the conventional forces. In the case of the *Potential to include Space Marines?* Marine Corps, the Service has shown where its investment is focused regarding an influence Figure 1. capability; COMMSTRAT. This OccFld has an authorized personnel strength of 1,059. get drunk off self-importance, which question of ideas and technology. The this legacy PA officer can tell you all topline is the degree of predictability 7. Gen David H. Berger, Commandant’s Plan- about sometime! that will allow us to use resources more ning Guidance, 38th Commandant of the Marine The Marine Corps can accomplish wisely.10 Corps, (Washington, DC: July 2019). this by the end of fiscal year 2020 The 07XX information activities Oc- 8. Ibid. See also Joint Memorandum. (FY20). Actions can be taken right cFld not only achieves this and what now to update the FY22 Training and the CPG orders us to do, this new Oc- 9. Scott K. Thomson and Christopher E. Paul, Readiness Manual (T&R) and MOS cFld meets the FY20 National Defense “Paradigm Change: Operational Art and the Manual. The new 07XX information Authorization Act under the expansion Information,” Joint Force Quarterly, (Washing- activities does not require additional of OIE; specifically, the ton, DC: 2018). resources, such as changes to current Selection and Organization—Cross- structure (which means zero growth), Functional Teams established to—de- 10. Gen Joseph F. Dunford statement at the increases in personnel, additional train- termine the collective set of combat 17 November 2018 Halifax International Secu- ing and educational resources, or ad- capabilities that will be treated as part rity Forum. Available at https://www.whs.mil. ditional funding requirements. This of operations in the information en- 11. FY20 National Defense Authorization Act; provides a quick and easy win and vironment, including cyber warfare, Section (1) STRATEGY AND POSTURE forces a new way of thinking inside space warfare, military information REVIEW REQUIRED—the Secretary of and outside of the 07XX information support operations, electronic warfare, Defense, acting through the Principal Infor- 11 activities OccFld regarding the human public affairs, and civil affairs. mation Operations Advisor under section 397 aspects of military operations. As for- Three of the five would fall and should of title 10, United States Code (as added by mer Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Gen fall under the 07XX information activi- subsection (a)) and the cross-functional team Dunford stated at the 17 November ties OccFld (see Figure 1). established under subsection (f)(1), shall—(E) 2018 Halifax International Security determine the collective set of combat capabili- Forum during his interview by BBC ties that will be treated as part of operations in World News, Notes the information environment, including cyber warfare, space warfare, military information areas where increased investment is 1. James N. Mattis, “Launching NATO’s New support operations, electronic warfare, public required by the United States and its Strategic Concept,” (speech, Brussels, July affairs, and civil affairs. allies and partners … and we know the 2009). areas where we will be challenged. It’s a

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