Network-Enabled and Leader-Centric Command and Control (C2): The Dangers of Digital Decision Making

摘要

The DOD has grown increasingly reliant on information technologies (IT) that enable network-enabled command and control (NEC2). Evolving network- centric strategy documents focus too narrowly on improving the technological capabilities of existing C2 networks. The same documents fail to address the leadership challenges facing operational commanders who rely heavily on NEC2 systems. Connectivity, compatibility, and accessibility are three network vulnerabilities that limit the effectiveness of future NEC2 development. As the DOD applies technical solutions to technical problems, the joint services fail to address the unique NEC2 leadership challenges that could render future commanders less effective. Improved NEC2 capabilities could tempt commanders to rely too heavily on network information. Additionally, NEC2 provides commanders with the ability to assess and exert control over events at the tactical level. Modern operational commanders must pursue aggressive doctrinal and procedural modifications to reverse the cultural infatuation with achieving information dominance.