Information Technology: When is Enough?

Abstract

When does one have enough information technology? When do we cross the point of diminishing return? At what point in time do information planners and program managers provide too much information access? Will the vast Army investments in information technology, high speed data networking, and robust beyond line-of-sight telecommunications at the brigade and below level enable the tactical war fight? Or, will this investment in technology at the tactical level overtax already weary staffs and further inhibit their ability to focus their commanders on the most relevant information necessary to make sound timely decisions? As part of this research I plan to present an understanding of the challenges currently facing tactical commanders with regard to information overload. I will provide examples that underscore the dangers inherent in tactical commanders having too much information or too much reliance on information technology. I will present the current year range of investments being made in information technology and attempt to present the merits of increased investment in information analysis and dissemination management. I will compare the capabilities of information technology enablers like tactical networking support against the anticipated threats over the upcoming decade.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 22, 2007
Accession Number
ADA469129

Entities

People

  • Darin Talkington

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

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

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Command And Control
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Command Control Communications
  • Control Systems
  • Department Of Defense
  • Information Systems
  • Information Warfare
  • Military Science
  • Network Centric Warfare
  • Psychology
  • Radio Equipment
  • Test And Evaluation
  • United States
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Economics
  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.