Public information warfare in Iraq and Syria – who’s winning?

By U.S. Army III CorpsOctober 5, 2020

U.S. Army Col. Myles B. Caggins III, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve spokesperson, responds to interview questions at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Jan. 13, 2020.
U.S. Army Col. Myles B. Caggins III, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve spokesperson, responds to interview questions at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Jan. 13, 2020. (Photo Credit: Spc. Derek Mustard) VIEW ORIGINAL

Dominate the information environment with weaponized truth

FORT HOOD, Texas -- In an overview into the contested information environment in Iraq and Syria, Col. Myles B. Caggins III will lead a Warrior’s Corner discussion with questions and answers at this year’s virtual Association of the United States Army 2020 Annual Meeting and Exposition Oct. 15, 1:15 p.m.

Caggins, who just returned to Texas from serving as the spokesman for the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, will discuss the information challenges faced by the 77-nation Coalition fighting to destroy ISIS, from not just terrorist organizations and state sponsors of terror, but major powers and occasionally, allies.

“It’s about relentless engagement,” said Caggins. “Dominate the information environment with weaponized truth. I want our adversaries to react to what we are doing.”

Caggins will also discuss some of the techniques developed by CJTF-OIR to cut through language and technological barriers and combat active enemy influence and disinformation operations.

To connect with audiences, the U.S.-led Coalition worked with security partner spokespersons in Iraq and Syria and often conducted press conferences and engagements in Northeastern Syria, Suleimani, Erbil, Kirkuk, Al Asad, and many other locations, working with Arabic, Kurdish, and Western media.

“The core audience was those who were affected by ISIS, and those threatened by ISIS or security forces fighting ISIS,” said Caggins. “We tried to inform and inspire, without offending anyone.”

The discussion includes critical questions for military leaders on the culture of communication, training, resourcing, and competing to win in the public information environment.

Maj. Gabriela S. Thompson, past Coalition media outreach officer, will participate in the discussion.

Those interested in participating in the discussion need to register with AUSA.

Related Links

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AUSA Now: 2020 Annual Meeting and Exposition Schedule