The Non-Linear Nature of Information and its Implications for Advanced Technology Forces

Abstract

A significant characteristic of information and information support technology is their non-linear nature. Non-linearities can be found in all elements of information support systems and is also inherent in the nature of information itself. These non-linearities represent vulnerabilities that can be exploited by adversaries. Examples of how to accommodate the non-linear nature of information are explored. Current U.S. military vision statements anticipated tremendous benefits from the growth of information based technology. It is now axiomatic that the ability to achieve information dominance against potential adversaries will become a significant comparative advantage for U.S. military forces. Yet, the results from this same strategy in the commercial world are mix. To achieve the information dominance anticipated through advances in technology, military decision makers must understand and accommodate the non-linear nature of the information systems they employ.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 18, 1998
Accession Number
ADA351665

Entities

People

  • Bernal B. Allen

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cognition
  • Command And Control
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Communication Channels
  • Computers
  • Data Processing
  • Databases
  • Human Intelligence
  • Information Processing
  • Information Systems
  • Military Operations
  • Multiple Access
  • Relational Databases
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Systems Analysis and Design