A Commander in Chief's Network-Centric Odyssey
Abstract
Network-Centric Operations continues to gain acceptance as a construct for future military operations. Operational Art, on the other hand, stands as a principal construct for past military successes and constitutes current joint doctrine. Some critics suggest implementing Network-Centric Operations presages the death of Operational Art. Each Armed Service has begun training and equipping its force using the tenets of Network-Centric Operations, but those forces come together for the first time under the combatant Commander-in-Chief. The CINC will have to determine how a fully networked force affects existing methods of employment to achieve operational and strategic objectives. This paper reconciles Network-Centric Operations and Operational Art by analyzing the underlying assumptions, assertions, and interrelationships. The analysis results in the conclusion that Network-Centric Operations and Operational Art are not mutually exclusive but mutually supporting constructs. In fact, a synergy appears that accomplishes strategic and operational objectives with extraordinary effectiveness. This conclusion leads to six recommendations for the Commander-in-Chief that harmonizes Network-Centric Operations and Operational Art in the theater of operations to ensure future success.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 04, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA400924
Entities
People
- E. C. Copley
Organizations
- Naval War College