jp3_12r

Introduction
Additionally, sophisticated cyberspace capabilities of organized crime or other non-state,
extralegal organizations may benefit adversaries. This relationship to organized criminal
elements may be for financial purposes, with the rise of illicit vendors providing malicious
software (malware) as a service. Due to minimal barriers to entry and the potentially high
payoff, the US can expect adversaries to resort to asymmetric means to negate US
advantages in military capabilities.
f. The Information Environment. The information environment is the aggregate of
individuals, organizations, and systems that collect, process, disseminate, or act on
information. The information environment is broken down into the physical, informational,
and cognitive dimensions.
(1) The Physical Dimension. The physical dimension is composed of command
and control (C2) systems, key decision makers, and supporting infrastructure that enable
individuals and organizations to conduct operations. It is the dimension where physical
platforms and the communications networks that connect them reside. The physical
dimension includes, but is not limited to, human beings, C2 facilities, newspapers, books,
microwave towers, computers, laptops, smart phones, tablet computers, or any other entities
that are subject to empirical measurement.
(2) The Informational Dimension. The informational dimension is the place
where information is collected, processed, stored, disseminated, and protected. It is the
dimension where the C2 of modern military forces is exercised and where the commander’s
intent is conveyed. Actions in this dimension affect the content and flow of information.
(3) The Cognitive Dimension. The cognitive dimension encompasses the minds
of those who transmit, receive, and respond to or act on information. In this dimension
people think, perceive, visualize, understand, and decide.
g. The Relationship Between IO and CO
(1) It is important to address the relationship between IO and CO. CO are
concerned with using cyberspace capabilities to create effects which support operations
across the physical domains and cyberspace. IO is more specifically concerned with the
integrated employment of information-related capabilities during military operations, in
concert with other lines of operation (LOOs), to influence, disrupt, corrupt, or usurp the
decision making of adversaries and potential adversaries while protecting our own. Thus,
cyberspace is a medium through which some information-related capabilities, such as
military information support operations (MISO) or military deception (MILDEC), may be
employed. However, IO also uses capabilities from the physical domains to accomplish its
objectives.
(2) While some CO may support IO objectives, other CO will be conducted in
support of target objectives, or to support operations in the physical domains to achieve
objectives. This relationship represents an evolution both in IO, transitioning from a
collection of capabilities to a broader integrating function focused on the adversary, and in
CO, evolving from its computer network operations roots into a way to operationally
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