Intelligence, Surveillance And Reconnaissance In Support Of Operation Iraqi Freedom: Challenges For Rapid Maneuvers And Joint C4isr Integration And Interoperability
Abstract
While aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and C4I systems played a critical role in the coalition's success against the Iraqi regime during Operation Iraqi Freedom, at the operational level of war, the C4I and airborne ISR assets experienced significant seams in their ability to provide timely, accurate, fused, and actionable intelligence to Strategic, Operational and Tactical users. The key factors affecting the ability of ISR assets to support rapid maneuvers during OIF included compressed engagement times, incompatible and inadequate C4ISR systems, eleventh hour TTP and planning considerations, a lack of intelligence analysis tools, and Service unfamiliarity with the other Service ISR capabilities. The operational commander can take several steps to stem the tide of significant ISR seams experienced during OIF. Foremost among them is to engage JFCOM (Joint Forces Command) in its role as the DoD's executive agent for joint interoperability and integration to support and sponsor joint exercises that focus on C4ISR training requirements in a joint environment. Services must receive guidance through JFCOM to ensure future C4IISR systems are not procured in such a way to field stovepipe systems unable to function in a joint war fighting environment. Finally, joint doctrine for ISR must be updated to discuss decision making tools necessary to support ISR operations during rapid maneuvers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 09, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA422709
Entities
People
- Carl M. Bradley
Organizations
- Naval War College