Coalition Interoperability: Not Another Technological Solution
Abstract
Coalition interoperability has been an issue for some time. One can look back through history from WWI to present and determine that coalitions are the norm and not the exception. There are numerous articles on how technical solutions are available to increase interoperability. However, coalition interoperability continues to be a problem. If the operational commander understands the scope of interoperability, the limiting factors of interoperability and the current operational trends to achieve interoperability one can conclude that technology, by itself, will not solve interoperability. However, technology as a key contributor to the achievement of interoperability; the operational commander must balance between technology and information to gain an acceptable level of interoperability. Several options are available that do not specifically address technology. The operational commander can begin to forecast how future operations will take place. Specifically, how the GWOT and Network Centric Warfare might change the nature of multinational operations and establish a coalition component as part of the JTF structure. The operational commander can transition to a coalition information network to change the paradigm in the U.S. military from a U.S. only information organization to truly a coalition-oriented force. Finally, the operational commander can continue to focus on combined training designed to increase the information aspects of interoperability as operational objectives. These recommendations recognize that technology will contribute to interoperability but will not provide the commander the final solution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA464448
Entities
People
- John C. Trepka
Organizations
- Naval War College