56th Theater Information Operations Group
2018 Annual Report
History of the 56th Theater Information Operations Group Dear Reader, Thank you for taking the time to read the 56th Theater Information Operations Group (TIOG) Annual Report, our publication that highlights our organization’s accomplishments in 2018 and provides you with an overview of our agency structure, our leadership team and our overall impact to the total Army mission.
This publication highlights the commitment of the men and women of our organization who are dedicated to our important missions. The 56th TIOG continues to provide trained and ready, strategic professionals who are prepared for today’s analog and digital battlefields.
We saw another busy year in 2018, as we deployed teams to more than 30 countries in six continents. We have our watched our Information Operations professionals continue to provide quality support to on-going operations in the Middle East. We sent our Special Forces team to Korea, and are preparing our special operations team for a future mobilization. They however cannot do this mission without the support of so many, but most importantly their family members and employers. My deepest heartfelt thank you goes out to those loved ones and friends who support their Washington Army National Guard members. Our year would not be as successful without your on-going support.
COL Gerald E. Dezsöfi Commander
Table Of Contents
3
56th Theater Information Operations Group History
5
Unit Breakdown
9
2018 Year in Review Engagements, Deployments and Trainings
21
Contact Information
22
2018 Retirees
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History of the 56th Theater Information Operations Group When you think of Army Information Operations, you rarely think of Infantry, Artillery nor Ordnance, but that is where the 56th TIOG started its path 100 years ago.
On September 30, 1918, Company D, 3d Infantry was organized and federally recognized in Seattle, Wash. The short lived Infantry
Company was converted to Field Artillery in May 1921, under the flag of Battery D, 146th Field Artillery Regiment.
As tensions grew in the European and Pacific Theater during World War II, Battery D was called into federal service on February 16, 1940 for mobilization training in Seattle. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the unit conducted outreach to the community, preparing them for a possible attack in the Puget Sound area all while preparing to mobilize.
In February 1942, Battery D, was reorganized for mobilization to New Guinea at Battery A, 167th Field Artillery, under the 41st Infantry Division. From 1942 to December 1945, the men of Battery A would fight in Luzon, Southern Philippines and travel to Japan for inactivation and demobilization back home. After returning home, the unit moved from Seattle to Vancouver and continued to serve at Battery A until a consolidation in April 1959. Battery A joined with Service Battery to create Company A in the newly developed 241st Signal Battalion with a focus on communications. As part of the 41st Infantry Division the unit worked alongside other Washington National Guard units; 1st Battalion 161st Infantry and 2nd Battalion 146th Field Artillery.
The 1960s saw a lot of changes for the unit, as it would undergo multiple reorganizations, consolidations and moves. In October 1971 the unit saw one of its most important consolidations when it joined together with 115th Transportation Group, to become the 116th Support Center, stationed in Olympia before moving to Camp Murray. In August 1990, the world saw a new threat emerging in the Middle East, as Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi military invaded Kuwait, causing a reaction by the United States to mobilize more than 700,000 troops for Operation Desert Shield from January 17, 1991
to February 28, 1991. Eight members of the 116th Support Center (Rear Area Operations) traveled to the Middle East on a 90-day tour in August 1991. As tensions on the Iraq, Saudi Arabia border heighted, the entire 80 member unit was mobilized on December 6, 1990 for a six-month tour in the Middle East. On June 24, 1991, all members would return home to Camp Murray. The unit was relocated to the Ellensburg armory in September 1992. One more consolidation in September 2006 prepared the unit for its future reorganization as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 56th TIOG, which was federally recognized in January 28, 2009, under the 96th Troop Command.
As conflicts around the world changed, a greater need for synchronizing the non-kinetic battlefield began to take shape. Unit commanders were asking more from non-traditional warfighters, like public affairs, civil affairs and psychological operations. The Army noticed that Information Operations was becoming as important to the combatant commanders as traditional means. During a major transformation in July 2015, the Washington Army
National Guard found the perfect opportunity to stand up the 56th TIOG as a Brigade-sized element. “Placing units with similar missions in the same MSC provide better opportunities to support one another,” said Col. (Ret) Curt Simonson, former commander, 56th TIOG in 2016. “This benefits our soldiers, the Washington Army National Guard and the commanders we support in the Pacific Theater.”
The 56th TIOG, would now combined specialized units under one umbrella. Soldiers in the Military Intelligence, Special Operations and Information Operations career fields would work together for better collaboration and planning while completing their individual missions. “Another commonality of these units is engagement in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Simonson. “A significant portion of the Washington Army National Guard’s participation in this region comes from special forces, military intelligence and information operations units. Bringing them together will make it easier to synchronize efforts in support of commanders in the Pacific.”
56th Theater Information Operations Group 56th Theater Information Operations Group Federal Mission: On order, the 56th Theater Information Operations Group (TIOG) will deploy trained and ready units and tailorable force packages to meet Combatant Commander requirements across all phases of the operation.
Location: JBLM COL Gerald Dezsรถfi CSM Steven Strand
State Mission: On order, the 56th Theater Information Operations Group (TIOG) deploys a Geographic Task Force to Homeland Security Region 1 and Homeland Security Region 2 in order to support local responders and mitigate loss of life.
156th Information Operations Battalion
Federal Mission: On order, the 156th Information Operations Battalion (IOBN) provides trained, deployable, culturally aware, and regionally focused IO units in direct support (DS) from Army Service Component Commands (ASCC) to Brigade Combat Team (BCT) echelons to perform tactical through strategic-theater IO tasks.
Location: JBLM LTC Nick Parker CSM Tim Harris
State Mission: On order, the 156th Information Operations Battalion (IOBN) provides a regional response Taskforce (TF) to the 56th TIOG n accordance with Joint Force Headquarters requirements, augments the 56th TIOG for Joint Task Force staff support, and provides support to State cyber mission requirements.
341st Military Intelligence Battalion (Linguist)
Federal Mission: On order, the 341st Military Intelligence Battalion (L) provides intelligence capabilities and assets to include foreign language support, prisoner-of-war interrogation, CI, HUMINT, and SIGINT for all Army echelons and serves as a center for language management.
Location: JBLM
LTC Teresa Wenner CSM Larry Weidinger
State Mission: On order, the 341st Military Intelligence Battalion(L) provides National Guard Civil Support to State and local civil authorities in response to a natural or man-made disaster or emergency. Civil Support tasks include, but are not limited to, providing general disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, armory support, civil liaison, security and traffic control, firefighting, and incident analysis and assessment.
Unit Breakdown and Information Special Operations Detachment - Pacific Federal Mission: Special Operations Detachment - Pacific (SOD-P) provides trained, prepared, and equipped augmentation to the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and the Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC). On order, conduct command and control, staff integration, and synchronization of joint special operations forces as a unit or as individual augmentees as determined by USASOC and SOCPAC.
Location: JBLM LTC Paul Sellars CSM Erik Clarkson
State Mission: On order, deploy Special Operations Detachment – Pacific (SOD-P) to augment Joint Force Headquarters and conduct interagency coordination as directed in support of Domestic Operations (DOMOPS). Be prepared to serve as the Geographic Task Force 2 Headquarters (GTF 2 HQ), in support of Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties.
Alpha Co. 1st Battalion/ 19th Special Forces Group (A)
Federal Mission: A/1-19th Special Forces Group (A) prepares for and conducts Special Operations in support of USSOCOM, USASFC, Theater Special Operations command (TSOC) Commanders, United States Ambassadors and other agencies as directed, in any operational environment worldwide.
Location: Buckley, Wash.
MAJ Jeff McDonald SGM Tyr Symank
State Mission: On order, A/1-19th Special Forces Group (A) as the SAR-TF provides command and control, and liaison elements in the counduct of search and rescue operations as ordered in support of State operations. Be prepared to conduct flat water rescue, ground mobility rescue, and high angle rescue, while fully leveraging organic communications systems.
110th Information Operations Battalion
Federal Mission: 110th Information Operations Battalion Provide trained, deployable, culturally aware, andregionally focused Information Operations Teams, including cyber, in direct support at all echelons to perform tactical through theater/ strategic IO tasks. Organized under the 56th TIOG (TIOG),which is under 2nd Army/ Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER).
Location: Annapolis, Maryland
LTC Kristine Henry CSM Alonzo Amison
State Mission: 110th Information Operations Battalion Be prepared to conduct limited, approved Information Operations (including Defensive Cyberspace Operations-Internal Defense Measures (DCO-IDM)) tasks ISO state and local authorities during governor-declared state emergencies. Administratively placed under the 58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade (eMIB).
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Information Operations Readiness Center Broke Ground - October 24, 2013 Ribbon cutting - Sept. 29, 2015 Cost - $27 million Builder - Burns McDonnell
This 127,100-square-foot facility provides administrative, operations and specialized telecommunications spaces to serve as the headquarters of the 56th TIOG for the Washington Army National Guard. Designed for LEED Silver certification, the new facility features specialized administrative, planning, briefing and support areas to support the five operational units who occupy the facility. The work areas contain a mixture of command suites with self-contained private offices for each unit and large, open-plan workstation areas configured for a collaborative work environment. The facility at Joint Base Lewis-McChord reflects the character of the historic red brick facilities in the Old Fort District. The project was designed under contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District in collaboration with small business subconsultants Helix Design Group and AHBL. The project received a Seattle Society of American Military Engineers Project of Excellence Award and an Excellence in Masonry Award from the Masonry Institute of Washington.
The Language Lab provides the trained linguist in the 341st Military Intelligence Battalion the ability to work on their language skills and provides a place for instruction. Soldiers can utilize the language lab during the week and on drill weekends.
The one of a kind Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) features 10,000 square feet of secured facilities that can be utilized for unclassified to Top Secret work and meetings. The SCIF is connected directly with the Camp Murray Joint Reserve Intelligence Center, making this the first SCIF with two locations. The 10,000 square foot floor is also the largest SCIF in the National Guard, west of the Mississippi River.
The Information Operations Readiness Center (IORC) is also equiped with a ROJAN Special Purpose Integrated Remote Intelligence Terminal Lightweight Intelligence Telecommunications Equipment connection hub that can be utilized for Satellite Communications systems designed to support the Intelligence Warfighting Functions (IWF) during multi-based operations.
Strategically Aligned to accomplish the mission
Army Cyber Command Fort Gordon, Georgia 56th Theater Information Operations Group JBLM, Wash.
Special Operations Detachment - Pacific JBLM, Wash.
110th Information Operations Battalion Annapolis, Maryland
Special Operations Command - Pacific Hawaii
Maryland National Guard
156th Information Operations Battalion JBLM, Wash.
A Co. 1/19th Special Forces Group Buckley, Wash.
341st Military Intelligence Battalion JBLM, Wash.
1/19th Special Forces Group Utah National Guard
300th Military Intelligence Brigade Utah National Guard
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Year in Review
EuCom
NorthCom
Germany Ukraine
Washington Michigan Utah Maryland Washington D.C. Alaska
SouthCom Cuba Guatemala
2018 Areas of Operations
CentCom Kuwait Iraq Syria Jordan Afghanistan
AfriCom Horn of Africa
IndoPaCom Australia Kingdom of Thailand Malaysia South Korea Japan Hawaii
2018 Year In Review Federal Mission The 56th TIOG continues to work with our active duty partners to provide quality support to the warfight.
In 2018, LTC Eric Armstrong deployed his team to the Middle East to replace LTC Nick Parker’s team of Information Operations professionals. During this mobilization the group supported Operation Inherent Resolve. In September the 56th TIOG sent-off MAJ Reena Emme and her team as they deployed to replace LTC Armstrong. “This is the same mission my team conducted and Team Armstrong is currently conducting,” said LTC Nicholas Parker, Com-
mander, 156th IO BN. “It’s fast paced, a bit of a grind. But Reena Emme is probably is one of the most qualified and most experienced information operations practitioners we have in the state.”
In July, the 56th TIOG watched Alpha Co. 1st Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group deploy to Daegu Air Base, South Korea in support of on-going operations in the region. Throughout the year, more than 100 Guardsmen took part in exercises around the world, strengthen relationships with our foreign partners, while creating an effect.
In 2019 the 56th TIOG will be conducting engagements throughout multiple countries in the Indo-Pacific Command region, supporting the combatant commanders with strategic and decisive engagements that will support thte United States Military's mission in the region.
Above: MAJ James Payne was recognized by the Counter Terrorism Service for his outstanding support to the development of the organization with the Counter Terrorism Service Pin. This recently authorized medal can be worn on his Army Service Uniform. MAJ Payne was one of the first U.S. Army Soldiers to be awarded this medal and is likely to be a part of a select group of people Army wide to have earned it. MAJ Payne was presented the medal by his Iraqi counterparts at the Iraq Counter Terrorism's Service Headquarters. The CTS is the premier Counter Terrorism Organization in Iraq.
Left: LTC Eric Armstrong and a six-person Information Operations Field Support Team (IOFST) from the 156th Information Operations Battalion brief during their deployment in support of Special Operations Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (SOJTF-OIR). (Courtesy Photo)
Engagements, Training and Deployment "Our Intelligence, Information Operations and Special Operations professionals are the TIP OF THE SPEAR in today's multi-facet battlefront. They are the strategic professionals that shape the battle field." - COL Gerald E. Dezsรถfi
Above: SPC Yee Moua (left), a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) specialist explains the functionality of a chemical detector to a group of nearly 30 Mexican Army Soldiers, while SGT Jose Lugo, a linguist, 341st MI BN, translates during a CBRN class at Camp Grayling, Michigan June 6 as part of exercise Fuerzas Amigas. (Official U.S. Army Reserve photo by SFC Brent C. Powell) Left: Guardsmen from the 56th Theater Information Operations Group pose for a photo with their Royal Thai Army counterparts during Exercise Cobra Gold on Feb. 20, 2018 at Rayong province, Kingdom of Thailand. (Courtesy Photo) Below: A Co. 1/19th SFG stand in formation for a photo after a change of command ceremony between MAJ Jeff McDonald and MAJ Dan Barrow at Daegu Air Base, South Korea. (Courtesy Photo)
2018 Year In Review State Mission In 2018, units from the 56th TIOG honed their skills to prepare for their state mission. The SOD-P took part in a large scale disaster exercise in Clallam County alongside first responders. The unit will pass the mission to the 341st Military Intelligence Battalion while the unit is deployed. The group also continued to build stronger ties with Homeland Security Region 1 and 2, while building capabilities that will augment Joint Force Headquarters during any potential disaster. Starting in 2019, the 56th TIOG will be providing more support to the annual summer wildfire support. We will be providing trained Liaison Officers and building a hand crew for possible deployment to areas in support of the Department of Natural Resources.
The soldiers of the 341st MI BN, will support the citizens of the Olympic Penisula in 2019 with disaster related exercises that will test the Guard's ability to respond to a Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake and Tsunami event. Right: CPT Jonathon Cochran, SOD-P assess, an injuried role player during a disaster exercise in Port Angles, Wash. on June 2, 2018. The SOD-P conducted a parachute jump into the area, while simulating a major earthquake and tsunami response. (Courtesy Photo) Left: SPC Sunia Laulile, Alpha Company, 156th IO BN, 56th TIOG, works to breach a network as an opposing force during the International Collegiate Cyber Defense Invitational, July 6th, 2018, at Highline Community College in Des Moines, Wash. Washington National Guard soldiers attended the International Collegiate Cyber Defense Invitational to help educate information technology students on their responses to cyber-attacks. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Alec Dionne)
Engagements, Training and Deployment "We are providing trained and ready professionals for the Incident Awareness and Assessment, utilizing the skills of our intelligence trained professionals." - Col. Gerald E. Dezsรถfi
From Left to Right: CW3 Andrew Rose, MAJ Peter Shamatta, CPT Laura Dutton, CSM Stephanie Kettlewell and LTC Kristin Derda pose for a photo during the Washington National Guard's Day with the Washington state Legislature. The group talked with Legislative members about the role and missions of the 56th TIOG. (Courtesy Photo)
Left: MAJ Brian Hartigan, SOD-P assess, an injuried role player during a disaster exercise in Port Angles, Wash. on June 2, 2018. The SOD-P conducted a parachute jump into the area, while simulating a major earthquake and tsunami response. (Courtesy Photo) Right: Guardsmen from the SOD-P descend onto a drop zone during a parachute jump certification at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on Sept. 7, 2018. (U.S. National Guard photo by Joseph Siemandel)
2018 Year In Review
110th Information Operations Battalion In 2018, members of the 110th information Opearations Battalion educated military and civilian audiences on the integration and synchronization of our information related capabilities during combatant campaigns and support the homeland.
The 110th IOBN is on the cutting edge of the U.S. Army's movement to a new information warfare strategy concept. Our adversaries attack us within the information domain every day. We need to sustain collaboration with Maryland's military, civilian partners and external organizations to the state. This is critical to the success in the warfight against adversaries throughout the information domain. - LTC Kristine Henry
156th Information Operations Battalion
Alpha Co. 1st Battalion/ 19th Special Forces Group
In 2018, 156th Information Operations Battalion mobilized two Field Support Teams to support SOJTF-OIR, supported Overseas Deployment Training in Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Hawaii, and Korea and qualified over 25 new Tactical Information Operations Information Operations Planners. In 2019, the battalion is picking up right where it left off with additional SOJTF- OIR mobilizations and Overseas Deployment Training leaving 156th trained and postured like never before.
In 2018, Alpha Company mobilized more than 60 personnel to Korea in support of Special Operations Command Korea as the country's crisis contingency force. A Co also deployed soldiers to Germany in support of Combined Resolve 10 (CBR X) at Joint Multinational Readiness Center. AOB 9110 is the largest SF contingent to ever deploy in support of the exercise. A Co. continued to make history in 2018, as two members of the 341st MI BN became the first female soldiers to be assigned to the unit.
"We own the narrative"
- Boomslang 6, LTC Nick Parker
In 2019, Alpha Company will continue to grow as we have qualified four new members to the unit. A Co has already received a number of follow on missions once the unit returns from mobilization and will continue to play a significant role in the strategic operations and missions around the globe. - MAJ Jeff McDonald
Commander's Message
341st Military Intelligence Battalion (Linguist) FY 2018 provided the men and women of the 341st MI BN (L) one of the most productive years in recent memory. Focusing on the core tenants of language proficiency and military intelligence professional development, the 341st deployed and trained across the globe. During the last year, elements of the 341st returned from deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, conducted two training rotations to Kaiserslautern, Germany, & provided linguist support to Operation Atlantic Resolve in Ukraine. 341st MI personnel trained with units & supported missions in Thailand, Hawaii, JBLM, Utah, Washington, Michigan and the District of Columbia among others. Past accomplishments build on future strengths and the 341st is eager and willing to meet the challenges FY19 will bring. In the coming months, the 341st will continue its enduring support to Special Operations Command Europe, support for the 81st SBCT, participating in Panther Strike, and eagerly anticipates the budding relationships and Federated Intelligence Production opportunities interoperability with NSA, USARPAC, 1st Special Forces Group and USCYBERCOM will bring. - LTC Teresa Wenner
Special Operations Detachment - Pacific The SOD-P supported multiple Theater Security Cooperation Program (TSCP) events domestic operations and mobilization prep. The SOD assisted in Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) exercises Cobra Gold and Pacific Sentry with Special Operations Forces and Intel planners. In exercise Hanuman Guardian the SOD-P conducted a Subject Matter Expert Exchanges with Thai Rangers to integrate Thai SOF and conventional forces.
The events supported Commander Special Operations Command, United States Pacific Command objectives of deterring aggression, enhancing regional security cooperation, and defeating threats to the U.S. and its interests. June's DOMOPS exercise in Port Angeles allowed the SOD-P to Airborne infiltrate an area for the first time in an all-hazards scenario with multiple emergency management agencies. SOD-P is also preparing personnel and equipment for a full mobilization to the Central Command Area of Responsibility in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel - Resolute Support Mission. - COL Paul Sellars
2018 Year In Review
Cobra Gold 2018 Thailand
More than 15 Guardsmen from the 56th TIOG took part in Exercise Cobra Gold in the Kingdom of Thailand.
Cobra Gold is an annual Thai-U.S. co-sponsored joint and multinational exercise. Particpating nations include: Kingdom of Thailand, United States, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Republic of Korea and Malaysia. The TIOG provided Thai Linguists from the 341st MI BN, Information Operations planners from the 156th IO BN and HHC 56th IO.
Key Resolve Korea
CPT Matt Worley, SGT John Parraz, 56th Theater Information Operations Group worked with U.S. Military and South Korean Armed Forces partners. Key Resolve is an annual joint-combined Command Post Exercise which demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the Republic of Korea-U.S. Alliance and enhances the combat readiness of ROK and U.S. supporting forces.
During Key Resolve, the historic meeting between North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in took place. The meeting lead to the signing of the Panmunjeom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification of the Korean Peninsula.
International Collegiate Cyber Defense
Highline College, Des Moines, Wash.
In July, Guardsmen from the 56th TIOG and 156th IO BN took part in the International Collegiate Cyber Defense Invitational at Highline College in Des Moines, Wash. Guardsmen were invited to the exercise to help train the nation’s next generation of cyber security professionals. “Our team did extremely well. They showed how the security flaws in computer systems and networks can be exploited,” said CPT Sameer Puri, 56th TIOG.
The soldiers acted as the opposing force during the invitational, and students acted as the network’s defenders. Students were graded on how well they protected their computer systems from the soldiers’ cyber-attacks. At the end of each iteration, the soldiers and students came together to discussed how to better improve their response to the attacks.
Engagements, Training and Deployment
Thai Language Support to SPP Camp Murray
During a visit by the Royal Thai Army, SSG Camron Hartley and SGT Samantha Cantrell provided language support to the Royal Thai Army visitors.
The 341st MI BN maintains three qualified Thai linguists, all three have been utilized this year to support State Partnership Program missions and products.
SPP is a Department of Defense joint security cooperation program administered by the National Guard Bureau that links a state's National Guard with the armed forces of a partner country in order to build long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with U.S. allies around the world. This low-cost program is guided by State Department foreign policy goals, and executed by the state adjutants general in support of combatant commander and U.S. Chief of Mission security cooperation objectives and Department of Defense policy goals.
Bersama Warrior 2018 Kuala Lampur, Malaysia
Keris Strike 2018 Malaysia
In March, MAJ Peter Shamatta and MAJ Scott Fieldman, 156th IO BN provided Information Operations support to the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team during Bersama Warrior 2018 in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia.
CPT Matt Worley, 56th TIOG took part in Keris Strike 2018, providing Information Operations support to the Malaysian Armed Forces during a Homeland Assistance, Disaster Response exercise.
The exercise successfully integrated a 56th TIOG IO planner into the 81st SBCT staff to support joint MDMP-M planning with the partnered Malaysian 11th BCT. Partnership with Malaysian PSYOP was built and IO planning and briefing techniques were shared between both forces during the exercise.
In addition to disaster relief, Exercise Keris Strike 2018 contained a jungle field training exercise. During this event, U.S. and Malaysian soldiers learned from each other in a series of subject matter expert exchanges, and a field training exercise conducted at the Lenggang training area. The ultimate goal of Keris Strike 2018, was to improve regional and global stability by improving U.S. and Malaysian effectiveness during peacekeeping and disaster relief operations, which was achieved.
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2018 Year In Review
Yama Sakura 73 Camp Sendai, Japan
Five soldiers from the 56th TIOG and 156th IO BN took part in Yama Sakura in Nov- Dec. 2017.
The exercise successfully integrated Washington Army National Guard Information Operations and I Corps functions. The Guardsmen liasoned with Japanese NE Army and 9th ID counterparts and conducted exchange and discussion of role of IO.
They also conducted intelligence support to IO with focus on supporting Cyber, Electronic Warfare, and Military Information Support Operations targeting process. Through Yama Sakura, the Guardsmen and their Japanese counterparts developed and executed common operating picture products to ensure shared operational picture between U.S. Forces and Japanese elements.
Ulchi Freedom Guardian Korea
Select SOD-P personnel deployed to the Republic of Korea to coordinate and prepare for a 15 member deployment in August 2018 to suppoer Ulchi Freedom Guardian Exercise. Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise is critical to ensure readiness of forces in South Korea.
The exercise is also the world's largest computerized command and control war game, involving more than 50,000 South Korean troops and 17,500 U.S. troops.
Keen Edge / Pacific Sentry Sagami Depot, Japan
CPT Jamie Russell and six fellow solders from 56th TIOG, provided bilateral synchronization of intelligence and intelligence products between the U.S. Army and the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) during Exercise Keen Edge in Japan, Jan. 22 - Feb. 4, 2018.
CPT Russell created bilateral Intelligence Updates, SITEMPs, friendly force laydown graphics, and bilateral script that was delivered by VTC to LTG Kobayashi (GCC Commander), USFJ, USARJ, and USARPAC daily.
The exercise successfully integrated WAARNG IO and ISIO with PACOM, USARPAC, USARJ. Four personnel supported PACOM preparing products, and briefing audiences including PACOM senior leadership. Two personnel provided IO augmentation to the USARPAC FXD-IO cell preparing regional assessments recommending courses of action, targets, and senior engagements, in addition to working on several real world products.
Engagements, Training and Deployment
I Corp Warfighter Joint Base Lewis McChord
Tempest Winds 2018 Hawaii
Washington Army National Guard TIOG officers supported IO planning (IPB support, developed CIO), target development and coordination (Information-Related Capabilities: physical destruction, Military Information Support Operations, Electronic Warfare, Cyber electromagnetic activities, Civil Affairs and space operations), the Information Operations Working Group, synchronization across the I Corps staff and assessments. The team also incorporated general staff functions to include G39 Crrent Operations manning and twice daily Commanding General update brief.
SOD-P Legal Advisor augmented Special Operations Command – Pacific (SOCPAC), and supported 24/7 operations during Crises Response exercise. During Crises Response, SOCPAC initiated 24 hour Joint Planning Group staffing in support of tactical level units.
Team members experienced and participated in the corps staffing process, with officer and NCO primary staff leadership and SMEs for the most commonly considered IRCs. “Practicing” IO integration versus studying or discussing it was invaluable and, based on the feedback received from across the staff and including the more formal, positive comments from the FORSCOM, USARPAC commanders regarding non-lethal integration during WFX 18-2, the WAARNG’s contribution both mattered and was noticed.
Tempest Wind exercises SOCPAC’s ability to respond to crises events within the PACOM Area of Operation. Augmenting SOCPAC staff during crises events supports the core SOD-P mission to provide trained, prepared, and equipped augmentation to the Unites States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and Special Operations Command – Pacific.
"Team Emme" Deployment Ceremony Information Operations Readiness Center
MAJ Reena Emme prepares to lead “Team Emme,” a six-person team on an overseas deployment in FY 2019.
“We have a diverse background,” Emme said. “An engineer from Boeing. a teacher, a tanker who is a book worm, a chemical specialist and an IT professional. Every day I feel like I have an encyclopedia on every subject with me.” The team from the 156th IO BN will deployed to the Middle East for nine-months to support Operation Inherent Resolve after conducting a ceremony at the Information Operation Readiness Center on Sept. 6, 2018.
The Information Operations functional area focuses on information-related capabilities and coordinates them to best complement the war-fight efforts on the ground. Day to day operations for the team will consist of providing Information Operations guidance and strategies to assist the combatant commanders.
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Contact Information 56th Theater Information Operations Group , 6205 Pendleton Ave. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. 98433 Phone: 253-983-7337
Command Team
Commander - COL Gerald E. Dezsรถfi Deputy Commander - LTC Kristin Derda Command Sergeant Major - CSM Steven Strand Staff
S1 - MAJ James Jack S2 - LTC Casey Degroof S3 - LTC Adam Rodgers S4 - CPT Matt Worley S6 - CPT Andres Bohman
Chaplain - CPT Wayne McMasters JAG - LTC Todd George OPS SGM - SGM Stephanie Kettlewell PAO - CPT Joseph Siemandel
Website: https://www.mil.wa.gov/national-guard/army-guard/56th-information-operations-brigade Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/56thTIOG/
56th Theater Information Operations Group - 2018 Retirees COL Robert Parrish 28 Years LTC Charles Randolph 30 Years LTC Yong Lee 25 Years CSM Michael Patterson 23 Years SGM Jeff Oates 27 Years SGM Chad Bennett 27 Years 1SG Erik Laudahl 35 Years 1SG Alan Olson 35 Years 1SG David Ruegger 32 Years 1SG Joseph Renick 22 Years SFC Jay Gearths 28 Years SFC Samuel Summit 27 Years SFC Bryan Watson 22 Years SFC John Southard 21 Years
We want to say thank you to for your service. We also want to our thank employers, families and friends for their endless support to our Guardsmen.
SFC Brandon Conner 20 Years SSG Ulysses Wallace Jr. 22 Years SGT Nicholas Benfield 16 Years (Early Retiree)
56th Theater Information Operations Group ~ Defending Mercury ~ 110th Information Operations
156th Information Operations
341st Military Intelligence
Special Operations Det. - Pacific
Alpha 1st Battalion, 19th Special Forces