Assessing the Value of Information Superiority for Ground Forces - Proof of Concept
Abstract
In this report we examine the importance of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems for ground force maneuver operations. Advanced C4ISR systems are intended to provide Information Superiority (IS), or the capability to collect, process, and disseminate an uninterrupted flow of information while exploiting or denying an adversary's ability to do the same. However, a growing number of analysts and military operators view Information Superiority not as an end in itself but as a means of achieving what some term Decision Superiority. Decision Superiority is defined as the ability to make better decisions and to arrive at and implement them faster than an opponent can react. Decision Superiority is viewed as the essential or desired output of having IS,2 and IS is viewed increasingly as important to the command decisionmaking process. Therefore, to evaluate the true military value of C4ISR systems, one should evaluate and take into account the quality of the information provided by C4ISR systems to the command decisionmaking process. For this type of analysis, new IS metrics and new tools are needed. These are the subjects of this project and proof-of-concept model demonstration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA394791
Entities
People
- Chris Pernin
- Dan Gonzales
- David Matonick
- Lou Moore
- Paul Dreyer
Organizations
- RAND Corporation