MACARTHUR AND THE ART OF INFORMATION WARFARE
Michael Posey December 11, 2025
Part performer and part legend, MacArthur would don aviator sunglasses, an open-collared khaki uniform, a khaki cover, and his iconic corncob pipe.
Douglas MacArthur, a renowned yet controversial American five-star general, recognized that the art of war involves shaping perceptions as much as maneuvering forces. Throughout his campaigns in the Philippines, Japan, and Korea, he combined showmanship, strategic messaging, and images that shaped morale and showcased American power. Although scholars may debate his legacy, most agree that MacArthur’s triumphs stemmed from his military prowess and his deliberate use of narrative and imagery to influence audiences. His mastery of information warfare before the rise of the digital age offers lessons for today’s warfighters.
Part performer and part legend, MacArthur would don aviator sunglasses, an open-collared khaki uniform, a khaki cover, and his iconic corncob pipe. Using symbolic props, he projected authority and audacity. Throughout his storied career, MacArthur weaponized his personal iconography as a strategic tool. He carefully constructed an image that projected power, while reinforcing his reputation as a military genius. His ability to sway others began with his own image and radiated outward, helping secure American military victories across Asia.
“I Shall Return”: Bolstering Resistance through Narrative in the Philippines
https://warroom.armywarcollege.edu/articles/macarthur-information-warfare/
