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Information training opens Stryker Soldiers' eyes, minds

Apr-24-2005 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

Link to Full Article with photo

Capt. Michael Blankartz
172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team

FORT WAINWRIGHT – Soldiers from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team conducted Information Operations training in preparation for their upcoming mission-readiness exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La. and planned deployment this summer.

Information Operations encompasses activities such as civil-military operations, public affairs, and operation security. This training familiarizes Soldiers on the important role that Information Operations plays in the Army’s success in the Global War on Terrorism. The training helped Soldiers understand the importance of command messages and themes in relation to mission success.

Soldier’s learned how damaging enemy propaganda can be as well as techniques to counter insurgency efforts. The course also covered how the power of perception has tremendous implications. Students learned methods to mitigate and exploit actions using current tactics, techniques and procedures.

Soldiers spent three days in the classroom discussing various topics related to the upcoming deployment, shared personal experiences and participated in practical exercises on negotiations, psychological-operations product development and conducting press conferences.

“It’s great to see the Army adapt to the new battlefield, and this course will help us, the young leaders, to accomplish the mission the most effective way without needlessly risking lives or waste combat power,” said 1st Lt. Dustin Adams, Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment.

“This course was developed to provide the leaders at battalion and company levels with the tools to operate and win in a constantly changing environment,” said Maj. Michael Sullivan, brigade information operations officer.

“Information Operations is a major focus in operations at the brigade level in the Global War on Terrorism.

“Although the activities of IO are planned by the brigade, they are executed almost on a daily basis by every Soldier,” said Sullivan.


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