Space Technology and Network Centric Warfare: A Strategic Paradox
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DoD) force transformation is in large measure predicated on harnessing and exploiting the benefits of shared information on the battlefield to develop a common operating picture. The DoD's aggressive pursuit of information technologies to enable network-centric warfare (NCW) will generate a significant warfighting advantage as well as potential pitfalls. The Global Information Grid (GIG) is the telecommunications infrastructure -- the network backbone -- by which the United States facilitates NCW and executes its dominant forms of strategic power, both economically and militarily. A significant portion of the GIG relies upon space-based assets and technologies that expose the United States to vulnerabilities -- the very same space-based technologies that enable NCW. This paper addresses threats to the GIG, vulnerabilities of our space-based assets, and examines concerns about the implicit reliance upon space-based technologies to execute NCW. It evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of employing space technology in a network-centric environment, considers future threats posed by adversaries using asymmetric warfare, and examines the impacts on warfighting capabilities and national security. Finally, this paper identifies and recommends measures that mitigate risk to the United States' principal enabler of NCW -- space-based technology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 22, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA469763
Entities
People
- Karl Ginter
Organizations
- United States Army War College