Field manual (FM) 3-13 provides doctrinal guidance and directions for conducting inform and influence activities (IIA) and discusses the importance of information in operational environments. It describes the Army's view of how IIA aid the commander to gain an advantage through information. It develops the other principles, tactics, and procedures detailed in subordinate doctrinal publications. The publication does not address every information-related capability commanders can use to help shape their complex operational environments. It should, however, generate introspection and provide just enough guidance to facilitate flexibility and innovative approaches for commanders to execute the art of command to inform and influence. It also provides guidance to the staff to conduct IIA to achieve the desired effects that support the commander's intent and objectives. Commanders designate an information-related capability and are only limited by available resources. The principal audience for FM 3-13 is commanders and staffs at all echelons of command, Army civilians, and government contractors. Commanders, staffs, and subordinates ensure their decisions and actions comply with applicable United States, international, and, in some cases, host nation laws and regulations. Commanders at all levels ensure their Soldiers operate according to the law of war and the rules of engagement. (See FM 27-10.) FM 3-13 implements standardization agreement (STANAG) Allied Joint Publication (AJP)-3 (B). FM 3-13 uses joint terms where applicable. Selected joint and Army terms and definitions appear in both the glossary and the text. Terms for which FM 3-13 is the proponent publication (the authority) have an asterisk (*) in the glossary. Definitions for which FM 3-13 is the proponent publication are boldfaced in the text. For other definitions shown in the text, the term is italicized and the number of the proponent publication follows the definition. FM 3-13 applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard (ARNG)/Army National Guard of the United States (ARNGUS), and the United States Army Reserve (USAR) unless otherwise stated. The proponent of FM 3-13 is the United States Army Combined Arms Center. The preparing agency is the Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate, United States Army Combined Arms Center.