Human Systems Integration Assessment of Network Centric Command and Control
Abstract
Trident Warrior 2003 (TW03) was a Navy initiative to demonstrate an initial baseline of potential FORCEnet capabilities. FORCEnet is the operational construct and architectural framework for Naval Network Centric Warfare in the information age that integrates warriors, sensors, networks, command and control, platforms, and weapons into a distributed combat force. TW03 provided an integrated prototype capability for fleet evaluation and refinement of a supportable incremental delivery of FORCEnet capability. The Chat system was limited by the synchronous nature of the system that required constant attention to monitor communications, by the number of participants that could be accommodated and recognized, and by the time required for users to authorize, compose, and type messages. The connections between the fire control systems allowed users to share common situation awareness on tracks, targets, and fire schedules but were mediated by the GCCS-M position information, which could lag up to 15 minutes behind real-time. The utility of the links between the fire support systems were limited by the inability of one system to accommodate the same target designations from another system and by the lack of connection between systems. Situation awareness is a continuing process and the limitation of reliance on chat as a status indicator was highlighted when one shooter was not aware that he was supposed to be in position to provide fire support to shore. Chat technology was used extensively to transfer information among distributed teams. Confusions and missed messages were noted occasionally and were typically due to user interface design problems, ambiguous operating procedures, or technical incompatibilities between chat systems. Display configurations and workspace layouts were problematic and led to inefficiencies in the way that information was transferred within and between command centers. Consideration of the proper location of operator workstations, legibility of
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA466644
Entities
People
- Dee Quashnock
- John Dunaway
- Richard T. Kelly
- Robert J. Smillie
Organizations
- Naval Information Warfare Systems Command