On the Edge of Chaos: Battling Complexity with Complexity, an Examination of Swarm Logic
Abstract
The underlying premise for the US Army's newest operating concept published December 2017, Multi-Domain Battle: Evolution of Combined Arms for the 21st Century, is that growing complexity in warfare and increased adversarial capabilities necessitate a new approach to leveraging the US joint military force across all domains. This monograph explores the field of complexity science and concept that complex problems require complex solutions, namely swarming. While previous research has focused on the physical aspects of swarming and the ability to converge from a dispersed posture, this study looks to the core logic of this emergent phenomenon. By studying swarm logic through various levels of abstraction natural case studies, simulations, and military case studies, this study demonstrates the effects of localized interactions and self-organization to power successful complex adaptive systems. These complex adaptive systems thrive in the very conditions that are supposed to challenge the future US military highly degraded command and control with increased dispersion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 24, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1070937
Entities
People
- Anthony E. Andrews
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies