On Optimizing Command and Control Structures
Abstract
This paper uses information theory to investigate the utility of alternative Command and Control (C2) structures and strategies. Specifically, the authors use the information theoretic metrics of "complexity," "entropic drag," and "evolutionary entropy." Complexity measures the amount of information required to fully express a situation. Entropic drag measures the rate at which situational information becomes obsolete. These metrics are used to characterize situations managed by C2 systems. The performance of C2 designs is measured as a function of these characteristics; performance that is characterized as the C2 system's impact on mission performance, situational awareness, and controllability. The paper also provides a comparative analysis of C2 topologies, including centralized control, scale-free hierarchies, scale-invariant hierarchies, and heterarchical "small world" topologies. Dominance plots that map optimal topologies to scenario characteristics are provided as results. To support their analysis of training and innovation, they introduce the concept of evolutionary entropic drag, which is the rate at which adversaries are able to adapt their behavior. The presentation includes briefing charts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA546914
Entities
People
- David Scheidt
- Kevin Schultz
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University