The Impacts of Digitization on the Army's Military Decision-Making Process: Modifications to the Estimate of the Situation

Abstract

The study determines if modifications to the estimate of the situation occur as a result of implementing the Maneuver Control System/Phoenix and the All Source Analysis System Remote Workstation, during the Military Decision Making Process. In order to resolve this issue this thesis examines historical and doctrinal sources related to the estimate of the situation, decision making, and Force XXI operations. Using a methodology which analyzes the significant products each step of the estimate process produces, the study attempts to determine where and how modifications to the estimate of the situation occur. The steps of the estimate process that are analyzed are those steps found in the most current FM 101-5 (Final Draft, August 1996). This study concludes that modifications occur in nearly every step of the estimate as a result of using the MCS/P and ASAS-RWS to facilitate the decision making process. The only step which remains unaffected by these systems is the course of action analysis and comparison. Trends citing the need to use collaborative planning, parallel planning, information filters (to prevent information overload), and an abbreviated planning process are identified. This study also concludes that the current estimate process will remain the Army's decision making model into the twenty-first century.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 07, 1997
Accession Number
ADA331512

Entities

People

  • Joseph J. Dichairo

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Application Software
  • Combat Operations
  • Command And Control
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Control Systems
  • Databases
  • Digital Communications
  • Information Exchange
  • Information Overload
  • Information Processing
  • Information Systems
  • Military Applications
  • Military Organizations
  • Situational Awareness
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Voice Communications
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis