An ontological approach to developing Information Operations applications for use on the semantic web

ion in an IO ontology. While an understanding of all the concepts discussed in the publication is ultimately required, the sections addressing the information environment, core, supporting, and related IO capabilities, planning and coordination, and measures of performance and measures of effectiveness are all critical to this thesis 13 in that they offer a basis for objects, environment, and actions. Succinctly, this document frames the top-level ontological construct. Joint Publication 3-53: Psychological Operations is also examined closely. As PSYOPS is one of the core capabilities being developed in the ontology, this publication provides the basis on which it is founded. While consistent with the information found in JP 3-13, it expands on the actual conduct and planning of psychological operations. The text contains relevant information on organizational responsibilities, command relationships, planning and approval, and respective service capabilities. Each of these facets is critical to understanding psychological operations and are thus essential to capturing relevant domain knowledge in an ontology. IO is not undertaken as a monolithic entity, they span the range of the operational continuum. Turner (2005) proposes a methodology for generating IO synergy through integrating efforts at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels of war. This striated aspect of modern warfare is a significant consideration in examining the operational context of IO. The utility of this in developing an ontology is that it allows for a layer of abstraction centered around a set of effects focused on a given echelon of targets. While the joint publications offer definitions of the levels of warfare and encourage synergy between the three, this document offers a rationalized methodology for achieving this within the IO problem domain. In his book, Psychological Operations: Principles and Case Studies, authors Frank Goldstein and Benjamin Findley provide critical examination of the United States conduct of PSYOPS in Vietnam, Libya, Panama, Iraq, and counter-drug operations. Attention is also given to PSYOPS in other parts of the world and in support of insurgencies. While steeped in the doctrine of the era, the text offers eight separate case studies analyzing various dimensions and effects of PSYOPS. This text proves to be an excellent supplement to the doctrinal publications in that it offers insight and nuance into how operations of this type manifest themselves in actual practice. In this capacity, it forces consideration of relevant factors that are not present solely in doctrine. In a similar vein, Sokoloski (2005) offers a more progressive approach towards PSYOPS based on modern marketing principles. While this document is heavily steeped