Digitization of the Battlefield: Operational Implications for the U.S. Army in Multinational Operations.
Abstract
International cooperation has become an increasingly important part of U.S. military operations world wide. TRADOC Pamphlet 525-S, Force XXI Operations, states as a goal that, "these operations be conducted under conditions where U.S. forces, supported by coalition partners, enjoy a qualitative technical, training, leadership, and most important information advantage." The U.S. Army's digitization of the battlefield will play a role in providing that information advantage. The central question this monograph will address is: How does the U.S. Army's digitization at the tactical level have an operational impact on future multinational operations? Clearly, the U.S. Army's tactical level digital systems cannot solve all the problems associated with multinational operations. They have, however, demonstrated through the U.S. Army's experimentation process the potential to aid commanders in several areas. The relevant common picture provided through the MC S/P, ASAS, and the other supporting systems may have the potential to improve the multinational force commander's vision of the battlefield and to help him anticipate events on the battlefield. This paper addresses the operational impact the U.S. Army's digitization may have on the future multinational battlefield. To answer the central question, the monograph will first consider the problems and principles associated with multinational operations using historical examples. The focus will be on the unique requirements of communications among multinational forces and the associated challenges. Next, the capabilities and limitations of the digital systems as they are being fielded in the U.S. Army will be analyzed, specifically identifying the potential benefits in multinational operations. Finally, the specific implications of U.S. Army digitization in future coalitions will be addressed and conclusions presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA314278
Entities
People
- Thomas D. Mayfield Iii
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College