Joint Forces Air Command Problem: Is Network-Centric Warfare the Answer

摘要

The marriage of network-centric warfare and the joint forces air component commander concept represents a 'military-technical revolution' in aerospace command and control. The current system is cumbersome, and it is falling behind in its ability to deal with the fast-paced warfare of today. By its nature, network-centric warfare (NCW) could address many of the shortfalls of the current joint air component system. It will not, however, change the fundamental nature of war, nor can it solve all of the current problems of the joint forces air component commander (JFACC). This article will examine the potential and limitations of network-centric warfare in terms of command and control and in the context of the JFACC. Network-centric warfare-the 'effective linking or networking of knowledgeable entities that are geographically or hierarchically dispersed'-promises to raise command and control to new levels of efficiency. Conceptually, NCW provides battlespace entities with 'shared battlespace awareness' through interconnectivity and networking techniques.