Visual Information Operations (FM 6-02.40)

This manual, "Visual Information Operations," provides the visual information activities, roles, management and support from the operational through the tactical levels of war. This manual describes the capabilities and components of visual information assets and defines the organizational structure and responsibilities of visual information activities at each level. When applicable, the reader is referred to supporting publications for more detailed information. Visual Information is the use of one or more of the various visual media with or without sound. Generally, visual information includes still photography, motion picture photography, video or audio recording, graphic arts, visual aids, models, display, visual presentation services, and the support processes. The mission of VI activities and Soldiers is to acquire and provide the President, Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Joint Staff (JS), military departments, and Army commanders with record documentation, multimedia/VI products, and services to satisfy official requirements. Security classification, operations security or subject sensitivity should not be used to prevent visual information documentation (VIDOC), since VI products can be classified at any level required. The official requirements, which VI Soldiers can provide support to may include, but are not limited to, command and control (C2), training, education, logistics, human resources, special operations, information operations (IO), psychological operations (PSYOP), public affairs (PA), and intelligence to effectively convey accurate intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to the Soldier, decision-makers, and supporting organizations. However, because these Soldiers have specific missions that require special training, augmentation is limited to providing support, which a commander requests and for which the VI Soldier is equipped and trained. VI Soldiers may be required to perform dedicated VI capabilities to support medical, safety, and criminal investigation. VI support is limited to official events or activities. The priority set for VI support will be established with consideration to mission, cost effectiveness, and the quality and quantity of products and services available. The use of VI products, equipment, or facilities for other than official purposes, such as loaning equipment to local and state governments or nonprofit organizations meeting on government property, is at the discretion of the local commander in accordance with (IAW) Army Regulation (AR) 700-131, AR 735-5 and AR 25-1.