Abstract : This paper examines the need for a coherent and well-defined national strategy for information operations. The impetus is today's environment and the realities of the environment we will face as we enter the next century. The paper begins by evaluating the present environment and highlighting key factors that contribute to the iniperative nature of this challenge followed by a review of the current status of national initiatives. Finally, the paper discusses key steps to be taken in this arena. The review of the present environment includes a macro-level look at the United States and its information needs. This look contrasts and compares the United States with its allies and its potential adversaries. With the review of the environment providing a foundation, a candid discussion of our nation's information operations initiatives helps to bring the issues into focus. The initiatives cannot be viewed solely from a Department of Defense perspective as they are addressing national challenges. These challenges share similarities with those in the arena of the asymmetric Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) threat. The solutions to those WMD threats demanded interagency and multi-national cooperation, the sarne is true for threats in cyber space.