Network Centric Warfare (NCW): The Mechanism for Change
Abstract
Is Network Centric Warfare (NCW) something new or just old warfare methods wrapped in a new package during an age of transformation? The author contends that NCW is not merely new technology, but a new way of thinking, organizing, and fighting wars. NCW centers on the co-evolution of technology, doctrine, and organization to radically change the style of warfare. Speed of command, self-synchronization, and the concept of thin shooters replace much of the existing lexicon. In an age of military transformation, NCW concepts establish a framework to facilitate an evolutionary cultural change in Navy organizations, processes, and doctrine for future warfare. This paper examines NCW concepts and analyzes how NCW will impact future warfare. The paper reviews the transition from an industrial age to the information age; examines the impact of the information age on military operations; compares platform centric and network centric environment, command structure, and organizations; discusses the Navy's plans to transition to network centric operations (NCO); and discusses what organizational and doctrinal changes will be required to transition to a network centric environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA520230
Entities
People
- Jacqueline R. Butler
Organizations
- Marine Corps University