Network Centric Warfare - A Tool or Hindrance to the Operational Commander
Abstract
Network Centric Warfare has been identified as the manner in which the Joint Force will operate in the 21st Century. Six years after VADM Arthur Cebrowski proposed the road to a netted force, we are able to examine the progress toward the attainment of that goal. To achieve its goals of speed of command and self-synchronization of the forces, NCW integrates three grids into a combined picture aimed at simplifying the planning and execution processes. The information of these grids is merged into a common operating picture which is to be a coherent picture of the battlefield. Independent production and development of networks by the various branches of the military service has caused the COP to receive its information from systems which have been produced in a stove pipe' and don't truly integrate into the COP. The current challenge for the Joint Force is to achieve the ordered objectives with a smaller force while increasing speed and effectiveness of mission accomplishment. Network Centric Warfare must facilitate the Joint Force Commander's achievement of the Joint Vision 2020 mandate of full spectrum dominance and enable his expediency of command which is integral in the effective conduct of operations across the military spectrum. NCW architects are successfully proceeding to develop the tenets of speed of command and self synchronization by providing technologically advanced sensors and systems. However, they must not lose sight of the fact that NCW technology must enable operational art and aid in the commander's ability to synchronize fires and maneuver along with the available instruments of National Power to achieve the objective.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 09, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA422740
Entities
People
- Jiancarlo Villa
Organizations
- Naval War College