Dynamic Battlefield Visualization: Knowledge Management in a Complex, Emergent PMESII-PT Battlefield
Abstract
This paper provides an in-depth examination of battlefield visualization in a complex, emergent environment such as stability or counterinsurgency operations. This research integrates current theories of knowledge management with two sets of interviews conducted with military officers having recent command and staff experience in Afghanistan and Iraq. Phase I of this research identified seven specific socio-cognitive skill areas that contribute to command and staff performance in this area. In Phase II, the research revealed the importance of addressing three distinct processes -- development of battlefield understanding, problem solving and operational design, and the planning and execution of specific operations -- as interconnected aspects of battlefield visualization. At the same time, our research identified the specific classes of knowledge -- artifact knowledge, cause-effect system knowledge, tactical episode knowledge, and strategic agenda knowledge -- that are produced by these processes and woven into a complex and dynamic framework of awareness and understanding. Our emerging visualization model illustrates how these three processes, seven skill areas, and four classes of knowledge define command and staff operations in terms of two intertwined meta-activities: knowledge management and battle management. Knowledge management serves to construct and maintain a contextual framework of battlefield understanding that guides the second process, battle management.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA502962
Entities
People
- Dennis K. Leedom
- Scott B. Shadrick