Information Systems: The Fourth Operational Factor

Abstract

Operational art applies the factors of space, time and force to link strategy and tactics. Today's technologically sophisticated battlefield mandates the need for a fourth operational factor-information systems. Two criticisms of Operation ALLIED FORCE were that information operations were not part of the initial plan and that information systems were relied upon too heavily as the operation unfolded. The inclusion of information systems as an operational factor in future conflicts, will ensure the function is not overlooked by operational planners and that its use is balanced among other elements of power at the strategic and tactical levels.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 05, 2001
Accession Number
ADA389667

Entities

People

  • William G. Apigian

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Combat Operations
  • Command And Control
  • Communication Systems
  • Environment
  • Information Operations
  • Information Systems
  • Infrastructure
  • Instructors
  • Knowledge Management
  • Low Density
  • Military Operations
  • New York
  • Security
  • Students
  • Universities
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space