Network Centric Warfare: The End of Objective Oriented Command and Control.

Abstract : The rapid incorporation of emerging technologies, particularly information technologies, in the military presents both tremendous opportunities and challenges for all aspects of the American way of war. One of the most significant impacts of information technology on the military is being called a new form of warfare: network-centric. Network-centric warfare is the enabling concept for JV2O10 and Concept for Future Joint Operations. It proposes to revolutionize war through the emerging concepts of speed of command and self-synchronization. A totally new approach to warfare, it is characterized by unique strengths and weaknesses. Most significant of these is its impact on command and control of forces throughout the battlespace. The current US command and control system is based on an objective-oriented approach to command. However, it does not create the conditions for the quantum improvements in effective employment of assets foreseen by network-centric warfare. Network-centric warfare, then, requires a different command and control system to realize the full potential of JV2OlO.