56th Theater Information Operations Group
The 56th Theater Information Operations Group is a brigade-sized command of the United States Army National Guard based in Washington, and Maryland. In 2015 it took on the additional role as a major subordinate command in the Washington Army National Guard, aligning military intelligence and special operations forces under its command for administrative control.
| 56th Theater Information Operations Group (TIOG) | |
|---|---|
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia | |
| Active | 2006-present |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | Washington |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Type | Information Operations |
| Size | Brigade (equivalent) |
| Part of | Washington Army National Guard |
| Garrison/HQ | Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington |
| Motto(s) | Defending Mercury |
| Colors | Teal Blue & Gold |
| Engagements | Operation Inherent Resolve |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Col. Nicholas Parker |
| Insignia | |
| Distinctive Unit Insignia | |
As one of three TIOGs in the United States Army, the 56th provides information operations planning, synchronization, and assessment support to Army echelons at theater and Army Service Component Command down to brigade level. The 56th and its battalion elements have never deployed as commands but instead form and deploy purpose-built information operations teams designed to provide the support required by requesting commands. TIOGs maintain regional focuses to provide supported commands additional regional expertise and capability to plan, synchronize, and assess information operations, activities, and investments within the area of operations. The 56th is identified by the U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) as one of its units supporting its Influence core capability. The command relationship with ARCYBER is unclear.
The 56th TIOG is regionally focused as the primary provider of information operations forces for USINDOPACOM, under USARPAC, but has also supported operations in USCENTCOM USAFRICOM and USSOUTHCOM.