It is heartening that we are finally beginning to formulate information warfare strategies in the Global War on Terror, as recommended in numerous articles and comments by Douglas Hanson here, and most recently by John B. Dwyer this week. Now, the Washington Times reports:

U.S. Special Operations Command is planning a major information—operation campaign against terrorists worldwide.

It has awarded contracts to three private firms, Sy Coleman, Science Applications International Corp., and the Lincoln Group to come up with prototypes for countering militant Islamic propaganda.

"Under the contracts the individual companies will apply their expertise and creative skills in developing recommendations for possible information campaigns," said Col. Samuel Taylor, a Socom spokesman.

"These recommendations could include all forms of information modes to include radio, television, print [articles and art], Web media and novelty/specialty items [buttons, water bottles, bumper stickers etc.]. The intent is to give the companies the creative license to explore all avenues and approaches. Psychological operations is an assigned special operations activity by which special operations forces provide approved, truthful information to foreign audiences."

He said Socom wants products that "will have utility for more than one geographic commander. We want products that can be modified to be of use to commanders in different environments. So, the focus is not just Iraq, Afghanistan or any other particular place." 

The three companies are guaranteed $250,000 in the first year. Socom does not expect to spend more than $1 million during that time.

Hat tip: North Carolina Mistress