Which statement best differentiates information operations from influence activities for combat units?

• A. They are the same and interchangeable.
• B. Information operations focus only on political messaging.
• C. Information operations include cyber, EW, and deception to shape the battlespace; influence activities specifically target perceptions and behaviors of populations or adversaries.
• D. Influence activities involve direct cyber intrusion.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is recognizing that information operations are the broad, battlespace-shaping activities that use a range of technical and operational means to influence the information environment, while influence activities are specifically aimed at shaping the perceptions and behaviors of people—populations or adversaries. Information operations can include cyber operations, electronic warfare, and deception to disrupt, mislead, or influence the adversary’s decision-making and the overall battlespace. Influence activities, on the other hand, focus on human minds—how people think and act—through messaging, persuasion, and other non-kinetic methods to sway decisions.

This distinction is why the best choice is correct: it accurately separates the broad, multi-domain scope of information operations (including cyber, EW, and deception to shape the battlespace) from the more narrowly targeted goal of influence activities (shaping perceptions and behaviors of people). The other statements miss important nuances: information operations aren’t just political messaging, and influence activities aren’t inherently defined by cyber intrusion; they can employ a variety of channels beyond cyber.