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MISO

Military Information Support Operations (MISO) are planned actions to convey selected information to foreign audiences to influence their emotions, motives, and behavior. The goal is to persuade foreign populations and leaders to act in ways that are favorable to U.S. objectives.

MISO — illustration from Wikipedia
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TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Military Information Support Operations (MISO) are a core capability within Information Operations (IO) designed to influence foreign audiences by disseminating selected information and indicators. These operations target the emotions, motives, objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of foreign governments, organizations, groups, and individuals to achieve specific military objectives within the information environment.

BACKGROUND

Psychological operations (PSYOPs) are military operations to convey selected information and indicators to audiences to influence their motives and objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of governments, organizations, groups, and large foreign powers.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • PSYOP
  • Psychological Operations
  • Influence Operations
  • Information Warfare
  • Strategic Communication
  • Psychological Warfare

USAGE NOTE

The term MISO officially replaced PSYOP (Psychological Operations) for a period to avoid negative connotations, but the U.S. Army has since reverted to using PSYOP.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to MISO.

  • US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)

    As the proponent for Military Information Support Operations in the U.S. military, USSOCOM directs the development, acquisition, and fielding of technologies for influence operations. This includes platforms for social media analysis, audience assessment, and dissemination of messaging.

  • General Dynamics Mission Systems

    Develops and integrates command, control, and communications systems used in Information Operations. Their portfolio includes tactical communication networks and information warfare platforms that enable MISO practitioners to plan, execute, and assess influence campaigns across the operational environment.

  • L3Harris Technologies

    Provides a wide range of technologies that support MISO, including tactical radio and satellite communication systems for message dissemination, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) sensors for understanding the information environment, and specialized broadcast equipment.

  • Northrop Grumman

    Develops advanced systems for information warfare and non-kinetic effects. Their work in cyber operations, data analytics, and full-spectrum C4ISR provides tools for understanding adversary influence campaigns and shaping the information environment to support MISO objectives.

  • Booz Allen Hamilton

    A major government contractor providing technical and analytical support for information operations. The firm develops data science tools, analytical frameworks, and mission support systems that help defense clients understand target audiences, craft messages, and measure the effectiveness of MISO campaigns.

  • Palantir Technologies

    Provides data integration and analysis platforms, such as Gotham, used extensively by defense and intelligence agencies. Their technology enables the fusion of disparate data sources to create a comprehensive picture of the information environment, crucial for MISO planning, targeting, and assessment.

  • Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR)

    An Echelon II Command of the U.S. Navy that develops and delivers information warfare capabilities. NAVWAR's research and development efforts include communication systems, data analysis platforms, and cyber tools that support MISO in the maritime and joint operational domains.

  • Raytheon (RTX)

    Develops technologies in cyber operations, data analytics, and C4ISR that are foundational to modern MISO. Their tools help analysts process large volumes of data to gain insights into the information environment and deliver targeted non-kinetic effects.

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