text: Preface
  Field Manual (FM) 3-13, Information Operations, serves as the Army’s foundational doctrine for information
  operations. The purpose of this edition is to better align Army doctrine with joint doctrine, while recognizing the
  unique requirements of information operations in support of the land force. FM 3-13 discusses the conduct of
  information operations in today’s complex global security environment, which requires a dynamic range of
  capabilities and skills: from technological capabilities, such as cyberspace operations; to individual capabilities,
  such as speaking a foreign language; from technical skills, such as those required to defend computer networks;
  to interpersonal skills, such as those required to conduct Soldier and leader engagements. This manual provides
  overarching guidance to effectively integrate information operations into the operations process in order to create
  decisive effects in the information environment.
  The principal audience for FM 3-13 is all members of the Profession of Arms. Commanders and staffs of Army
  headquarters serving as joint task force or multinational headquarters should also refer to applicable joint or
  multinational doctrine concerning the range of military operations and joint or multinational forces. Trainers and
  educators throughout the Army will also use this manual.
  Commanders, staffs, and subordinates ensure their decisions and actions comply with applicable United States,
  international, and, in some cases, host-nation laws and regulations. Commanders at all levels ensure their Soldiers
  operate in accordance with the law of war and the rules of engagement. (See Field Manual 27-10.)
  FM 3-13 uses joint terms where applicable. Selected joint and Army terms and definitions appear in both the
  glossary and the text. Terms for which FM 3-13 is the proponent publication (the authority) are italicized in the
  text and are marked with an asterisk (*) in the glossary. Terms and definitions for which FM 3-13 is the proponent
  publication are boldfaced in the text. For other definitions shown in the text, the term is italicized and the number
  of the proponent publication follows the definition.
  This manual seeks to minimize the use of acronyms but will use two acronyms routinely: IO for information
  operations and IRC for information-related capability. If other acronyms are employed, their use will be limited
  to the paragraph or section in which they appear, or a legend will be available.
  FM 3-13 applies to the Active Army, Army National Guard (ARNG)/Army National Guard of the United States
  (ARNGUS), and the United States Army Reserve (USAR) unless otherwise stated.
  The proponent for this publication is the U.S. Combined Arms Center, Information Operations Proponent Office.
  The preparing agency is the Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate, United States Army Combined Arms Center.
  Send written comments and recommendations on a Department of the Army (DA) Form 2028 (Recommended
  Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) directly to Commander, United States Army Combined Arms Center
  and Fort Leavenworth, ATTN: ATZL-MCK-D (FM 3-13), 300 McPherson Avenue, Fort Leavenworth, KS
  66027-2337; by e-mail to: usarmy.leavenworth.mccoe.mbx.cadd-org-mailbox@mail.mil; or submit an electronic
  DA Form 2028.