Self-Synchronization: Splendid Promise or Dangerous Delusion
Abstract
Joint Vision 2010 is a vision replete with optimism rooted in predictions of dominating American technology and the ability of future commanders and troops to leverage this technology with extraordinary efficiency and precision. Proponents of Network-Centric Warfare build upon the optimism in JV 2010 by offering a war-fighting paradigm that promises "an information superiority enabled concept of operations that generates increased combat power by networking sensors, decision makers, and shooters to achieve shared awareness, increased speed of command, higher tempo operations, greater lethality, increased survivability, and a degree of self-synchronization. Of the six combat power-enhancing ingredients achieved by networking sensors, decision-makers, and shooters, self-synchronization emerges as a term new to warfare. Self-synchronization occurs when friendly war-fighting entities seek to exploit the power of networking by acting with initiative in real-time outside of traditional command and control mechanisms-in order to leverage advantage, seize opportunity, or address unanticipated needs or deficiencies, as violent interaction in the battle space unfolds. Is there splendid promise in such an idea, or is it a dangerous delusion that could result in wasted resources or confused future combat operations? Answering this question requires close examination of self-synchronization from the perspective of the coiners of the term. Next, the risks associated with self-synchronization must be articulated and weighed. Finally, possible doctrinal and behavioral answers to these risks such as a reconsideration of commander's intent and emphasis on the application of operational risk management (ORM) must be considered.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA381665
Entities
People
- Steven D. Hatter
Organizations
- Naval War College