U.S. Army Activates New Unit to Combat Malign Influence in Indo-Pacific

The U.S. Army has launched a new unit designed to address what it terms “malign influence” in the Indo-Pacific region. Officially activated on November 7, 2023, the 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment (1st TIAD) is headquartered at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, and reports directly to the commander of U.S. Army Pacific.

This new unit aims to establish a strategic advantage by enhancing information operations within the conventional battlespace. According to an Army fact sheet, its mission focuses on disrupting harmful influences, fostering cooperation with allied partners, and promoting stability in the region. The 1st TIAD will cover a vast area that includes 36 countries across northeast, southeast, and south Asia, as well as Oceania.

The unit is comprised of 65 soldiers who bring together a diverse array of expertise, including military intelligence, psychological operations, and cyber operations. This interdisciplinary approach is designed to create dedicated teams capable of addressing complex information warfare scenarios.

Command Sgt. Maj. Avery Bennett, the senior enlisted adviser for the unit, noted the potential for expansion, stating, “There is talk… for growth.” The 1st TIAD serves as the first of three such detachments, with the second unit expected to activate at Fort Gordon, Georgia, in the spring of 2026 and the third at Wiesbaden, Germany, in the fall.

This initiative represents a significant evolution in military strategy, particularly regarding information operations. Anthony Vinci, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, emphasized the importance of integrating information warfare into conventional military strategies. He noted that this change indicates a shift toward addressing information operations on a larger scale, highlighting that conventional forces must now be more cognizant of issues that could impact large populations.

The specific operational details of the 1st TIAD remain undisclosed. Nevertheless, Vinci indicated that the unit could play a crucial role in countering adversarial information campaigns, particularly those aimed at undermining U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific. He explained that such campaigns might seek to diminish local support for American involvement and could potentially shift allegiances towards nations like China.

This activation aligns with broader U.S. military objectives to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, responding to increasing geopolitical challenges in the region. The establishment of the 1st TIAD reflects a proactive stance by the U.S. Army in navigating the complexities of modern warfare, where information dominance is becoming increasingly vital to achieving strategic goals.