Al Qaeda: An Example of Network-Centric Operations
Abstract
On 11 September 2001, Al Qaeda used information and knowledge advantage, access, and the ability to support forward-based teams, to conduct effects-based operations against the United States. Although obviously not employing the theory, in practice these operations appear to have been network-centric in nature, with Al Qaeda reaping the benefits inherent in this organizational and operational structure to conduct its attacks. Since VADM Cebrowski and John Garstka's January 1998 article, "Network Centric Warfare: Its Origin and Future," many defense related professional journals have continued the discussion, defining network-centric operations, describing their benefit to the fighting force and explaining how to develop the capability. But the discussion goes far beyond the military. In recent years there has been a change in the structure of information and technology that makes more information available more rapidly. Al Qaeda, by the way it uses information technology has, in effect, become a network-centric organization. Although it is a very different organization than the U.S. military, or more specifically, the Commander-in-Chief (CINC) of a regional unified military command, an examination of Al Qaeda's structure and operations may yield useful examples of network-centric theory put into practice.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 04, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA401158
Entities
People
- Clayton D. Saunders
Organizations
- Naval War College