Keeping WWMCCS Up -- How Long will the Band-Aid Hold.

摘要

The Defense Reorganization Act of 1958 laid the groundwork for formulation of initial requirements for the development of a Worldwide Military Command and Control System (WWMCCS). It was intended to be the most responsive, reliable and survivable system ever built, contributing to the nation's defense posture. In the 1960's the Joint Chiefs of Staff were charged with its maintenance and development responsibilities. However, it has been crippled with one major failure after another, leading people to question its usefulness and reliability in crisis, transition to war, or wartime situations. Our evolutionary strategy for making this system a usable tool has been flawed by the lack of two key ingredients: clear requirements and a fluid product acquisition process. The Joint Program Manager (JPM), in the form of the WWMCCS Information System (WIS), has the capability to bring this modernization program to reality, if we are willing to learn from our past mistakes and follow a strategy of utilizing these key ingredients. (RWJ).