Warfare in the Information Age: Adding Capability Multipliers
Abstract
One recurring theme in military writings since the end of Desert Storm is that the American military is on the cusp of a new Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA). Proponents of this viewpoint cite major changes in business and society brought on by the personal computer and the Internet. They view these changes as part of a new information age and predict that the explosive technological growth in the speed of microprocessors and networks will lead to whole new ways to wage war, with information superiority being the key ingredient to assure victory. Critics argue that war as a rough, brutish, and frequently irrational business, and that no network will eliminate either the fog or friction of war. They see many of concepts being put forward as not respectful of the enduring principles of war. This paper argues that regardless of whether revolutionary changes occur in the way wars are fought in the information age or whether developments will continue to follow a more evolutionary path, - the military needs to look beyond technology and begin the process of accelerating its ability to assimilate the changes technology brings. This paper presents five capability multipliers for warfare in the information age: (1) assembling and maintaining the intellectual capital to operate in the future networks; (2) developing information as a true discipline; (3) improving human computer interaction; (4) seeking greater understanding of how people process information and make decisions; and (5) furthering the cultural, organizational, and operational concepts to support the technological change.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 17, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA370707
Entities
People
- David M. Cooney Jr
Organizations
- Naval War College