Comments for Information Professionals Association

Comment on Kill It or Fix It: Why Marine Corps Information Warfare Has Failed After a Decade of MIGs by Michael Williams

Michael Williams — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:02:57 +0000

I am an interested outsider in this problem. I’ve studied the MIG and was (am?) a huge proponent of getting all these resources under one command to make the most of each. It made a lot of sense when the MIG was proposed and I was among many that was watching closely as these assets were brought under one ‘roof.’
As a retired Army Information Operations officer (and former intel officer), I saw the benefit of moving intel and collection under one ‘roof.’ I was also part of a study to improve intel training at Dam Neck in 2019 as a contractor and, again, could see the benefit to the fleet of bringing intel resources together. The Navy and Marine Corps had a history of separating collection and analysis and the need to bring these pieces together seemed more obvious than ever.
As a field-experienced IO officer, I also lived with the insatiable need for detailed information on infrastructure and human behavior in my area of operations and the desire to have dedicated intel was a desire never fulfilled (though 1st IO Command did an excellent job with the resources they had). So, why doesn’t the MIG work as well as it should in the execution of Information Warfare supporting the commands? The MIG’s intelligence capabilities should give it access to theater and national resources, is this the case?
As to authorities, this is an on-going issue that crosses all organizational boundaries from tactical to strategic (even the SecDef has limited freedom in the information space). Partly this is from the design of our national organizations with authorities vested in the department heads with no formal way to override those to enforce a decision except by presidential order assuming it is within the law. It’s easy to see how the IC, State Dept, DoD and DHS could be at odds over actions in the IE and all DoD orgs have to live with that.
Can the MIG attach its information capabilities and staffs to commands for training and deployments while retaining their connection to the other MIG capabilities and sources of specialized information? Certainly, the writers concerns need to be addressed and we all are interested in the MIG lessons learned.

Comment on Countering Cognitive Warfare in the Digital Age by Clinton Austin

Clinton Austin — Thu, 16 May 2024 21:22:47 +0000

It is crucial to define upfront what is fact versus fiction. The last pandemic left a bitter taste in people’s mouths regarding how governments handled the crises, which resulted in less trust. Developing a less paternalistic approach and moving towards a “Show Me Data” approach will create strides in population confidence, but it will take a lot of time to regain some of that trust, if ever. I would also recommend the debate of the facts by subject matter experts so the population can measure the merits for themselves.

Comment on DMV IPA Community of Interest Meeting by Rod Korba

Rod Korba — Wed, 01 May 2024 12:27:36 +0000

I would enjoy attending, but I’ll be in North Carolina on 14 May.

Happy to assist in the process of building IPA nationally and in the NCR.

Best,

Rod

Comment on PHOENIX CHALLENGE 23-2 by Michael Williams

Michael Williams — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 16:29:21 +0000

In reply to Robert McCreight. Yes, PC 23-2 will focus on specific requirements for the government community across technical and cognitive aspects of cognitive security.

Comment on PHOENIX CHALLENGE 23-2 by Robert McCreight

Robert McCreight — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 14:54:34 +0000

Are you planning to engage comprehensively into the broad threat spectrum of cognitive warfare…??Thanks

Comment on PC GTRI 2023 Tickets by Michael Williams

Michael Williams — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 22:27:17 +0000

In reply to Warren Scott Weaver. I will let the staff know.

Comment on PC GTRI 2023 Tickets by Warren Scott Weaver

Warren Scott Weaver — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 22:07:14 +0000

Please cancel my request. I will not be able to attend

Comment on PHOENIX CHALLENGE 23-2 by Michael Williams

Michael Williams — Tue, 23 May 2023 13:54:26 +0000

In reply to XX.

If this link isn’t working https://events.gtri.gatech.edu/event/phoenix-challenge-2023-2, please email Theresa.Kessler@gtri.gatech.edu

Comment on PHOENIX CHALLENGE 23-2 by Michael Williams

Michael Williams — Tue, 23 May 2023 13:49:40 +0000

In reply to Anthony Allen.

AJ – I’m forwarding your email to the organizers and they will be in touch. – Michael Williams

Comment on PHOENIX CHALLENGE 23-2 by Michael Williams

Michael Williams — Tue, 23 May 2023 13:47:15 +0000

In reply to Lt Col Matthew Linford.

Lt Col Linford – I will forward your comment to the organizers. – Michael Williams