I've heard about military information operations roles but don't know much about them. Can anyone explain what kind of tasks these jobs include and what qualifications one might need?
Military Information Operations (IO) jobs focus on influencing, disrupting, corrupting, or usurping adversaries' decision-making, while protecting our own. These roles often involve a combination of efforts across various areas such as psychological operations (PSYOP), military deception (MILDEC), operations security (OPSEC), computer network operations (CNO), and public affairs (PA).
Tasks in these roles can look quite varied, depending on the specific aspect of Information Operations you're involved in. Here are some examples:
- PSYOP professionals might develop and disseminate information to persuade or influence beliefs, emotions, reasoning, and behavior of foreign groups.
- MILDEC officers might develop and execute plans to mislead adversary decision makers and affect their plans.
- OPSEC individuals help in identifying critical information and analyze friendly actions to identify patterns that could be exploited by the adversary.
- CNO specialists could be involved in both defensive measures (protecting our own networks) and offensive measures (disrupting or neutralizing adversary’s networks).
As for qualifications, they can vary depending on the specific job and the branch of the military you're interested in. However, some general requirements may include:
- U.S. Citizenship
- A high school diploma or GED (some roles may require a bachelor's degree)
- Ability to obtain a security clearance (this could involve rigorous background checks)
- Physical fitness and certain health standards
- Meeting the particular age requirements of the military branch
Some roles, particularly those involved in computer network operations, might require specific technical skills or related background in fields like computer science, information systems, or cyber security.
Remember that each branch has its own specifics, and the training and qualifications may vary accordingly. Always do thorough research and consider speaking with a recruiter or other military personnel for more precise and personal advice.
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