The New ISR Paradigm

Abstract

ISA encompasses a remarkably large group of people and machines, and it continues to grow. Elements within ISA are becoming increasingly interdependent as analysts gain greater access to data from more sensors looking at similar targets. Consequently, the actions of each collector and each analyst impact others more and more, especially at the theater level where multiple dissimilar assets often focus on the same target. Simply put, DOD ISR has become a network. This makes a common understanding of the interactions within this network all the more important. Without it, the DOD seriously risks jeopardizing synergistic effects within its intelligence apparatus. It is time to be explicit about how we think about ISA. The DOD continues to understand both its ISR apparatus and our adversary as linear systems based on Cold War threats and technology. The nature of both has changed, but the ISR paradigm has not. In reality, each operates as complex adaptive systems. The DOD needs a new theater ISR paradigm that capitalizes on the nonlinear characteristics of DOD ISR in order to counter those of our enemy.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 02, 2011
Accession Number
ADA600864

Entities

People

  • Max Pearson

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Accumulators
  • Adaptive Systems
  • Analysts
  • Cold War
  • Complex Adaptive Systems
  • Contracts
  • Databases
  • Doctrine
  • Full Motion Video
  • Intelligence Cycle
  • Lessons Learned
  • Linear Systems
  • Management Personnel
  • Marine Corps
  • Standards
  • United States

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.