Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) · 2007 · 44 citations · 0 references
Social SciencesInformation TechnologyStrategyArms ControlOperations PlanningOperations StrategyDefense PolicyMilitary OperationsMilitary StrategyMilitary TechnologyNational SecurityCollaborative TechnologiesComputer Network OperationsDeploymentForeign Military OperationsMilitary CommunicationsMilitary Deployment PolicyNetwork-centric OperationsShared Situation Awareness
Network Centric Operations, a DOD transformation strategy that uses networked communications to create shared battlefield awareness, is believed to enhance command and control and has seen limited deployment in Afghanistan and expanded use in Operation Iraqi Freedom, while concerns about vulnerabilities and broader network implications are noted. The report examines NCO‑supporting technologies, assesses vulnerabilities and countermeasures, documents key programs and international capabilities, and raises policy issues related to planning, interoperability, acquisition, outsourcing, technology transfer, asymmetric threats, coalition operations, and doctrine. The study reviews NCO‑supporting technologies, including electronic weapons and key military programs, and analyzes vulnerabilities and experiences from recent joint and coalition operations.
Abstract : Network Centric Operations (also known as Network Centric Warfare) is a key component of DOD planning for transformation of the military. Network Centric Operations (NCO) relies on computer equipment and networked communications technology to provide a shared awareness of the battle space for U.S. forces. Proponents say that a shared awareness increases synergy for command and control, resulting in superior decision-making, and the ability to coordinate complex military operations over long distances for an overwhelming war-fighting advantage. NCO technology saw limited deployment in Afghanistan and, more recently, increased deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). This report describes technologies that support NCO, and includes (1) questions about possible vulnerabilities associated with NCO; (2) a description of electronic weapons, and other technologies that could be used as asymmetric countermeasures against NCO systems; (3) descriptions of several key military programs for implementing NCO; (4) a list of other nations with NCO capabilities; and, (5) a description of experiences using NCO systems in recent operations involving joint and coalition forces. The final section raises policy issues for NCO that involve planning, network interoperability, acquisition strategies, offshore outsourcing, technology transfer, asymmetric threats, coalition operations, and U.S. military doctrine. Appendices to this report give more information about the global network conversion to Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), views on Metcalfe's Law of Networks, and possible perverse consequences of data-dependent systems. This report will be updated to accommodate significant changes.