Filtering and Trust as Tools for the Operational Commander in the Information Age

Abstract

Operational commanders leading forces in the information age have unprecedented access to data and can influence tactical activities and decisions with a phone call. Senior commanders are also subjected to immediate feedback from their subordinates, bosses, the media, and their peers. This environment influences everything from the command and control structure to the personal relationships the commander has. An analysis of this environment points to the impact of network centric warfare, information superiority, shared situational awareness, adaptability, and transparency on the commander's decision-making process. This paper identifies filtering and trust as tools that are now more important to successful command in the information age. It defines filtering and trust from both a technical and leadership perspective and uses General Tommy Franks experience in OIF to illustrate how poor filtering and trust can affect mission success. Finally, the paper suggests activities that DOD should consider to improve the leadership skills in senior commanders.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 20, 2006
Accession Number
ADA463567

Entities

People

  • Alan D. Davis

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Combatant Commanders
  • Command And Control
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Department Of Defense
  • Environment
  • Feedback
  • Filtration
  • Information Operations
  • Iraqi-War
  • Leadership
  • Military Operations
  • Network Centric Warfare
  • New York
  • Situational Awareness
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control