Network-Centric Warfare and the Command and Control of Amphibious Operations

The vision of how the U.S. military will prepare to fight in the 21st century is the focus of JV 2010. The concept of Full Spectrum Dominance (FSD) was introduced as the underlying theme to achieve the goals of JV 2010. At the heart of FSD is the requirement to obtain information superiority on the battlefield. Network-Centric Warfare (NCW) is a concept that has spawned from advances in information and systems technologies. Through improved situational awareness and increased speed of command, NCW offers a means to gain information superiority and promises to significantly enhance the function of Command and Control (C2). Additionally, as Operational Maneuver from the Sea (OMFTS) represents the changing nature of amphibious operations, a thorough review of C2 doctrine is required. In view of the significance of information superiority and the potential for NCW to enhance the function of C2, it is imperative to include NCW concepts in doctrinal discussions concerning future amphibious operations. Integrating Commander Amphibious Task Force/Commander Landing Force (CATF/CLF) doctrine with NCW and "supported/supporting" forces fulfills the C2 requirements of OMFTS.