Network Centric Warfare: Operational Application in the Land Dimension of Conflict
Abstract
The military application of the network centric concept is framed by Network Centric Warfare (NCW) which is an emerging operational concept based on the stated vision of future warfare in Joint Vision 2020. In the Information Age, does Network Centric Warfare concept provide a more effective means of achieving strategic ends in the land dimension of conflict than distributed maneuver? Based on the post cold war environment of global complexity, limited war, and technological advancement, NCW may be a better means of applying military force in the land dimension of conflict. In the agrarian age, classical warfare was executed in its highest form by Napoleon's pursuit of decisive battle. In this age, with detailed logistical planning and the evolution of the army corps, Napoleon moved to fight against his adversary. His unique method of preparation with archivist, the directed telescope, and the Officiers d'ordonance allowed him to out think his opponent in time and space as evidenced by his victory at Jena Auerstadt 14 October 1806. In the industrial age, Lieutenant General Grant, conducted a premature version of operational art in the Vicksburg campaign. The development of industrial age technology such as the railroad, telegraph, and steamship allowed Grant the freedom to fight to move. By fighting to move on land and seas, Grant was able to out maneuver and out think the confederate forces in Vicksburg in May 1863. In the information age, information technology allows commercial companies to leverage a competitive advantage over other companies by making better decisions faster. The efficiency of commercial companies increases because networked systems provide faster access to more information through the technological advancements of information technology. The issue for military forces operating in the land dimension is the ability to leverage this advantage to gain effectiveness instead of efficiency.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA403856
Entities
People
- John A. Sanders
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College