Each time people use smartphone apps, they are creating a form of digital information unknown to most soldiers less than a decade ago. Today, people produce so much digital information at such a rapid rate that it is physically impossible to store all of it. In 2010 alone, consumers stored more than six exabytes of new data on personal computers (PCs) and other devices-this is 24,000 times the amount of information stored in the Library of Congress. "Big data" are produced somewhere every day, and volumes of data are characteristic of modern combat operations. Soldiers must become experts with systems that manage, manipulate, transform, and analyze data. In the 21 st century, tactically relevant information is produced, monitored, and shared in the digital space; commanders must learn to take advantage of data if they are to exercise mission command effectively.
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