SHORTCOMINGS OF NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE

            Despite widespread organizational enthusiasm, network-centric warfare has its critics.  Most recognize that network-centric operation is the future of warfare, but caution that it is not the panacea claimed by advocates.  Some fear that an over-reliance on the new technology will ultimately become a vulnerability.  Others believe that the high technology solution is inappropriate for asymmetric warfare of the future.  Following are some of the specific criticisms from which developers of network-centric warfare may benefit:

             In his May 2003 paper titled “Network Centric Warfare Requires a Closer Look,” Lt. Col. Edmund C. Blash outlines some of the basic concerns about the rapid application of network technology to combat.  His key concern is the belief that the technology is sometimes untested and unproven in an operational environment before being widely introduced.  He further challenges the assumption that the same success of network-centric computing observed in business is possible for the military which operates in a much more dynamic setting.  Finally, he worries that failure of the network system would leave individual platforms vulnerable in the absence of information.  To read more from Blash, click here.  To see similar arguments by other authors click here.

             In his paper titled  “The Seven Deadly Sins of Network-Centric Warfare”, Thomas P.M. Barnett highlights some additional concerns.  He notes that only the U.S. has the technology and financing to make network-centric warfare a reality.  However, if coalition partners are unable to effectively interpret and act on the information available then the concept fails.  In fact, partners may not even be able to communicate with individual U.S. platforms if their systems are not compatible.  He also notes that victory by “information dominance” is perhaps not feasible and certainly not bloodless.  If a nation’s communications infrastructure were compromised, the society’s weakest and most vulnerable people would suffer from disruption of basic services.  Finally, he addresses several concerns about the requirement of network-centric operations for a shared operational picture.  He notes that the rapid flow of information is designed to allow commanders more time in the decision loop to reach conclusions.  However, the speed of information may lead to hasty or even rash judgments.  Also, there is the potential for the “virtual” shared reality to become a detachment from the actual events in the field – again leading to poor judgments.  To read more from Barnett click here.

         The academic debate concerning network-centric warfare is important to ensure that shortcomings in both the technology and doctrine are evaluated and corrected as the program moves forward. 

Home   History    Recent Developments   Navy Policy   Recent Uses  Library