In LSCO, IO efforts primarily aim to influence perceptions of:

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In Large-Scale Combat Operations, information operations are about shaping how people perceive and respond to the situation on the ground. The focus is on key audiences who can influence the outcome: the adversary and the civilian populations involved in or around the area of operations. Influencing the adversary’s leadership and forces can disrupt decision-making, degrade their will to fight, and slow their progression. Simultaneously, shaping civilian perceptions affects support for or opposition to the operation, which in turn impacts legitimacy, cooperation, and local security. Together, these efforts help create conditions favorable to achieving military objectives without requiring force against every opponent.

International organizations or competitive corporate actors may be affected as a byproduct, but they are not the primary targets for information operations in LSCO. The central aim is to sway those with direct influence over the conflict’s dynamic—those who can alter enemy behavior and the local and regional support structures that sustain the operations.