Defeating a Transformed U.S. Military
Abstract
Network-centric warfare (NCW), as a theory of war, relies on the premise that ubiquitously networked forces and capabilities will outperform forces that are not. Put another way, all things being equal, the side with the ability to network will generally win. Fundamentally, then, the key enabler of NCW is represented by the functioning of the network that connects sensors, shooters, and decision makers in a system exploiting the synergy of its dispersed parts. While the ubiquity and health of the network is therefore paramount, weapons designed to attack the electronic components of that network can, in an instant, vaporize U.S. technological and operational superiority and render future, NCW-based combatant commanders and military forces impotent. This paper explores the relationships between NCW, systems and chaos theories, Col. John R. Boyd's decision-making model, and their impact on a potential operational center of gravity and its subsequent vulnerabilities; identification of likely threats posed by potential adversaries to hold U.S. networked forces at risk; and recommended solutions to defend against those threats.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA464625
Entities
People
- G. T. Puntney
Organizations
- Naval War College