Direct, Plan or Influence? Joint C2 on the Future Battlefield
Abstract
Nowhere has the promise of the coming "revolution of the information-age" been more prevalent than amongst future war theorists. Speculation abounds in current literature of a virtual end to the uncertainty, or "fog," of war through the proliferation of information-age technologies that will provide commanders and their staffs with near perfect awareness and understanding of the battlefield. Former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Bill Owens (Ret), postulates that today's technology promises to provide future commanders with "...an omniscient view of the battlefield in real time, by day and night, and in all weather conditions--as much of the battlefield and an enemy force to allow vital maneuver and devastating firepower to deliver the coup de grace in a single blow." I However, tomorrow's "omniscient" commander may find himself at odds with von Moltke's opening admonishment that direct, personal intervention could eventually be counter-productive. Staffs and organizations will be required to grow and change in order to collect, filter and disseminate more data to commanders seeking awareness. Commanders will likely become increasingly accustomed to directing the action of subordinates as well as being directed by superiors, based on increased access to battlefield details. Attempts to mitigate or eliminate uncertainty may lead to what Martin Van Creveld calls information pathology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA508736
Entities
People
- Tyler J. Zagurski
Organizations
- Marine Corps University