Unfortunately this is a great work of fiction.

The concept of IE is good and will work at the Brigade level and below, but Information OPERATIONS officers need to have the flexibility to utilize all 5 pillars of IO at the Corps level and above. Divisions can utilize both concepts to be the linkage between the Brigade and the Corps. Like the Field Artillery (another effects based organization) you don’t have the same capabilities at the battery as you do at higher levels. IE can be effective at tactical level, but IO is effective at the Strategic and Operational levels.

Back in December, the concepts of IE were introduced into Afghanistan and it caused such a stir that the European NATO allies, specifically Germany, threatened to pull out of media operations there. It underminded the credibility of the information released to the public. Another ISAF official confirmed that the amalgamation of public affairs with Information Operations and PSYOP was part of the planned command restructure. This official, who also declined to be named, said the merger had caused considerable concern at higher levels within NATO which had challenged the order by the U.S. general.

Another significant change is that the G7/S7 will be primarily focused on conducting IE while the other information tasks, will be performed by other staff sections. If this comes into effect, the IO officer won't be conducting full spectrum IO or rather, all the information tasks, but they will be limited to conducting IE. In fact, CAC has already submitted a similar change to DA PAM 600-3 (commissioned officer professional development and career management) redefining the duties and responsibilities of the IO officers for doctrine that is not yet approved.

Information Operations is truly about the ART of warfare, and this new document now ties the hands of the IO officer to utilize all of the capabilities offered to him/her to shape the battlefield and the information environment for the commander.