Deception comes in many guises: 

There isn't any one action against deception that is right for every individual or every situation. Deception offers an entire suite of capabilities that should be picked judiciously in any application. The following is useful deception taxonomy based upon military experiences and history. 


Concealment:  Hiding through the use of natural cover, obstacles or great distance. Trees, branches; Terrain; Mountain Passes; Valleys. 


Camouflage:  Hiding movements and defensive postures (troops) behind natural camouflage. 


False/Planted Information:  Letting opposition have the information you want them to have. Planting information you choose: False radio broadcasts, morphed pictures, videos and other misleading information aimed at enemies, leadership and general populations. 

Ruses:  Where equipment and procedures are used to deceive the enemy; carry their flag/colors; march troops in the same formations; use the same uniforms and adversary radio frequencies (false orders). Initiate cries of help as if from the enemy troops. 

Displays:  Make the enemy see (or think he sees) what isn't really there. Horses pulling logs, thousands of campfires, fake artillery, rubber tanks, dummy airfields. 


Demonstrations:  Make a move that suggests imminent action, such as moving troops to the left, when you really are preparing to attack on the right; move troops constantly back and forth. 

Feints:  Demonstrate an attack. Use false attacks as a means of covering up the real mission/movements. Use false retreats to encourage chase by the other side. 


The Many Faces of Deception: 

Lie to the enemy in any way that suits your needs. Use the media to lie. Use perception management to get the attacker to believe what you want him to believe. Initiate protracted but futile negotiations. Circulate false reports on the 'Net. Fabricate treasonable letters. 

Insight 

 Out-think one's adversary. Study the oppositions past engagements and learn from their mistakes. Know your enemy better than he knows you. Stay one step ahead. It's a chess game: predict your opponent's moves. 


Honey Pots 

 Make a target so attractive that your enemy comes running into a trap. Think sneak attack/ambushes.