Interoperability in Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems (C4) In Support of Joint Medical Operations

摘要

The Department of Defenses (DOD) Health Affairs (HA) Directorate and its corresponding service component counterparts constitute a variety of highly complex and unique organizations providing health support for the full spectrum of military operations and sustaining health services. Yet as Command Control Communications and Computer (C4) systems develop within the joint military environment at an accelerated rate; a clear vision toward joint medical communications has not been forthcoming. Who is responsible for the medical IT environment and how is it managed. What are the strategic implications that characterize the requirement for a holistic joint medical infrastructure in DOD. Research suggests that with reductions in resources the Military Health System (MHS) will focus on integrating the communications infrastructure across the service components. This research paper studies the implications of infrastructure changes under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) initiative technology proliferation and business system integration data network security and structure of the MHS. After critical examination findings suggest that transformational issues such as greater emphasis on policy development joint medical operations and greater DoD C4 integration are necessary to garner greater synchronization in enterprise services and data exploitation in a net-centric environment.