Self-Synchronization: What is it, How is it Created, and is it Needed
Abstract
In the coming years the decline of nation-states has been predicted and the likelihood of facing enemies without borders will increase dramatically. Technology will shrink the world to a size where anyone with a computer and a modem can retrieve information from the other side of the world through a local phone line. Technology will also tie the world so closely together that national economic boundaries will dissolve and create a global economy. Technology also promises to change the face of warfare. Vice Admiral Cebrowski, in his thought-provoking article on network-centric warfare, introduces a new term to warfare - self-synchronization. Is self-synchronization the answer to mission impossible? To answer this question the term must first be defined. Next a brief glimpse at self-synchronization in other mediums must be examined. Then the steps to create self-synchronization must be delineated. Following that the current military examples of self-synchronization must be presented. It should then be possible to determine if self-synchronization is the solution. If it is the solution every attempt must be made to create this "self-synchronization." The creation of self-synchronization through unity of effort, commander's intent, rules of engagement, and battlespace knowledge is discussed as a starting point to create self-synchronization. The next steps in achieving self-synchronization are to empower individuals by releasing them from the multitude of requirements currently in place and the expectation and acceptance of the military as an adaptive learning organization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA363229
Entities
People
- Layne M. Araki
Organizations
- Naval War College