The Cognitive Performance Component in Networked System of Systems Evaluation

摘要

The Army s Future Force requirements contain ample descriptions of the physical architecture for manned and unmanned systems, and a multilayer network to which the Army will eventually migrate. Requirements specifications that will allow those entities to seamlessly function as an interoperable and integrated entity also exist. However, few descriptions exist of the cognitive performance requirements that will be essential for the individual, team, and units to perform command and control function because they increasingly rely on a networked system of systems. Even more elusive are the methods for evaluating, in an operational environment, whether the cognitive performance requirements have been met. Increased task complexity, uncertainty, workload, distributed command and control, battlefield visualization, and situational understanding are but a few of the areas that a future networked system of systems design is required to address. The volume of communications and information exchange within and between layers of command call for simplification in tools and processes provided to warfighters. Networked-enabled command and control must allow warfighters to manage these increasing demands at operational tempos that drive proactive versus reactive maneuvers against a highly adaptive threat. This article describes a number of factors that affect the networked system of systems' ability to enhance cognitive performance and support the levels of coordination and collaboration required for distributed command and control in a complex battle space. Considering these factors in the evaluation of a networked system of systems is important given the increased levels of higher order cognitive processing necessary to operate in such an environment.