Is "Reach Back" a Viable Means to Provide Geospatial Information and Services (GI&S) Support for the Objective Force?
Abstract
Quantitative advances in technology have enabled the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) to completely transform the way it performs its responsibilities as the functional manager for Geospatial Information and Services (GI&S). Similarly, technological advancements are being incorporated into the development of the Army's design for the Objective Force. As the Army transitions to its Objective Force, will these technological advancements, coupled with NIMA's revised operations, enable the Army to reduce its in-theater footprint by using the concept of "reach back" to provide the commander with the timely, accurate, and relevant geospatial information needed to achieve dominant situational understanding of the battlespace? In order to conduct this analysis, we will review the latest in evolving Objective Force concepts and doctrine, NIMA's transition strategy to support the objective force, as well as the Army's topographic engineer support structure in order to determine if "reach back" is a viable mechanism to reduce the footprint in a theater of operation. "Reach back" capabilities will certainly reduce much of the manpower requirements for deployed topographic units, but it will not eliminate the need to deploy some of these assets into a theater of operation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA401703
Entities
People
- C. K. Williams
Organizations
- United States Army War College