How do non-kinetic effects influence C2?

• A. They do not affect C2 and can be ignored.
• B. They only affect logistical planning.
• C. They should replace kinetic actions as primary.
• D. They affect decision cycles and operations; integrate information operations, cyber, and influence operations into planning.

Answer: (D)

Non-kinetic effects shape the information environment and the tempo and quality of decision-making in command and control. They influence what forces know, how they perceive threats, and how quickly and confidently they decide and act. Because of that, planners must weave information operations, cyber activities, and influence operations into the planning process so these effects are anticipated, shaped, and synchronized with kinetic actions. When non-kinetic effects are integrated, decision cycles can be accelerated or steadied, risk can be managed more effectively, and operations can be coordinated across domains for a clearer, more trusted picture of the battlespace.

The other ideas fall short because they treat non-kinetic effects as either irrelevant, limited to logistics, or something that should replace kinetic actions. In reality, these effects do not exist in isolation; they modify how missions are understood and executed and must be considered alongside kinetic means, not instead of them.