Operational Deception and Modern Warfare: The Use of Deception in the Information Age

Abstract : This paper asserts that the use of operational deception, despite the increased capabilities of sophisticated high-tech collection and dissemination systems, will continue to be feasible and desirable. The nature of deception, its importance to the commander and cognitive factors that facilitate its success are addressed. Those factors, along with technology's ability to assist deception, are examined to demonstrate deception's continued relevance in a high-tech world. Potential deception challenges to U.S. military's efforts to fight future wars based on information superiority are also analyzed. Finally, recommendations and conclusions for the operational commander are provided for the use and avoidance of deception in the information age.