The U.S. Army has officially deactivated its only active-duty information operations command, marking a significant shift in the military’s approach to cyber operations, electronic warfare, and the broader information domain. A casing of the colors ceremony for the 1st Information Operations (IO) Command was recently held at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, symbolizing the end of more than two decades of service dedicated to integrating information warfare into Army operations.
Established in 2002, the 1st IO Command’s primary mission was to equip Army forces with synchronized information capabilities, enabling them to prepare for and counter adversary influence and information campaigns. The unit played a crucial role in operational security, cyber defense, and the analysis of the information environment.
This decision to disband reflects a broader realignment within Army Cyber Command, as the service consolidates and restructures its information warfare functions in line with new multi-domain and cyber-focused frameworks. Although the command is officially disbanded, military officials have indicated that its missions will be absorbed by other units that are more aligned with current operational demands.
Col. Willie Rodney, the commander of the 1st IO, acknowledged the inevitability of change, emphasizing the importance of adapting to evolving circumstances. “Change will inevitably come,” he stated. “You can fight it and become irrelevant, or you can understand it and influence it to achieve desired outcomes that still fit the vision.”
Lt. Gen. Maria Barrett, commander of U.S. Army Cyber Command, recognized the unit’s significant contributions over the years. Highlights included providing support in “red team” cyber opposing forces during military exercises, producing more than 450 reach-back analytical products for six combatant commands, and playing a pivotal role in mission readiness training across active duty, Reserve, and National Guard units. In just the last two years, the command trained over 3,000 students in information operations.
Barrett praised the dedication of the personnel involved, stating, “The work you do supports our national security and defends our democratic ideals in the information dimension. You make me proud.”
