Unintended Consequences of Joint Digitization.
Abstract
The use of digital technology for future military operations will bring unintended consequences that will profoundly affect the art of warfighting. Joint digitization is an architecture that improves joint C2 functions through the availability of real-time situational information, links between sensors to shooters, and the use of integrated shared knowledge by automatically generating informational data bases. The idea of joint digitization is to enhance the warfighters C2 decision-cycle through a seamless integrated digital information network. Although it is expected technology will continue to bring huge payoffs, military professionals cannot assume that the use of technology by itself will be the panacea to achieving risk-free operations. Arguably, embracing digital technology also can bring accidental consequences that can damage and weaken a military organization. This paper is not about the science of digital technologies, but about the unplanned affects it might have upon the art of war. There are three possible unintended consequences of digital technology: (1) the merging of operational and tactical levels of war; (2) the general diminishing of a commander's prerogatives; and (3) an increase in the fragility of the force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 16, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA293269
Entities
People
- Steven G. Fox
Organizations
- Naval War College