text: _________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 5
  of lucrative strategic and operational targets is now open to attack. The
  OPFOR will focus all elements of its power, as well as the State’s, on the de-
  struction of the adversary’s critical information infrastructures.
  EASY OF OPERATION AND LOW COST
  5-21. In contrast to other forms of warfare, IW actions might occur without
  access to large financial resources or backing or without state sponsorship.
  Information weapons could be software logic bombs or computer worms and
  viruses. IW could be conducted with such easily accessible means such as cel-
  lular telephones and the Internet.
  ELEMENTS OF IW
  5-22. OPFOR IW occurs through the combinations of seven elements:
  • Electronic warfare (EW).
  • Computer warfare.
  • Deception.
  • Physical destruction.
  • Protection and security measures.
  • Perception management.
  • Information attack (IA).
  The seven elements of IW do not exist in isolation from one another and are
  not mutually exclusive. Often they are mutually supporting. The overlapping
  of functions, means, and targets makes it necessary that they all be inte-
  grated into a single, integrated IW plan. However, effective execution of IW
  does not necessary involve the use of all elements concurrently. Although one
  element might be all that is required to successfully execute a tactical IW ac-
  tion, that would seldom be the case at the operational level. Likewise, using
  one element or subelement, such as camouflage, does not by itself necessarily
  constitute an operational application of IW.
  5-23. The use of each element or a combination of elements is determined by
  the operational situation and support to the overall strategic objective. The
  size and sophistication of an enemy force also determines the extent to which
  the OPFOR employs the various elements of IW. The commander has the
  freedom to mix and match elements to best suit his operational needs, within
  the bounds of guidance from higher headquarters.
  ELECTRONIC WARFARE
  5-24. EW consists of measures conducted to control or deny the enemy’s use
  of the electromagnetic spectrum, while ensuring its use by the State and the
  OPFOR. EW capabilities allow the OPFOR to exploit, deceive, degrade,
  disrupt, damage, or destroy sensors, processors, and C2 nodes. Spectrum
  supremacy and delay, denial, or distortions of information in the adversary’s
  information infrastructure are the objectives. At a minimum, the goal of
  OPFOR EW is to control the use of the electromagnetic spectrum at critical
  locations and times in the battlespace or to attack the enemy.