Weaving the Net: Linking Space Systems to Theater Operations

摘要

Joint Vision 2010 visualizes a military in which the principle of mass is redefined. Mass in 2010 will be characterized by the massing of effects, rather than mass derived by way of a superior number of people or platforms. Information superiority, by enabling dominant battlefield awareness, is the key to achieving this redefinition. Information superiority is achieved in the military in the same way it is being achieved in the civilian sector: through a shift away from expensive and centralized platforms toward a distributed information architecture. Network centric warfare relies on a pervasive information grid that provides the nervous system that links sensors and shooters. The information grid can be achieved only through heavy reliance on space based assets. Joint forces already lean upon satellites to support their communication needs, as seen in Desert Storm. Only space based communications can meet the needs of forces deploying from CONUS to remote locations that lack indigenous communications infrastructures. It is unlikely that theater commanders will have the time to establish ground based communications in a fast moving crisis. These assets must be military, as commercial systems present limitations that will not be overcome except in the gravest of contingencies. Unfortunately, existing constraints prohibit space systems from completely fulfilling the dream of bandwidth on demand required to implement the JV2010 operational concepts. Technical limitations cap the capability of existing satellite constellations. More importantly, organizational inefficiencies hamper the joint force commander's ability to maximize support from these finite resources. Exploiting existing unified command structures, by centralizing authority to apportion MILSATCOM resources by mission need under USSPACECOM, could provide meaningful improvements.