By
WGCDR Callum Brown
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LACW
Libby Ginn, of No. 82 Wing, processes an image. Network-centric
warfare is designed to enable a clearer picture of a battle.
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NETWORK-CENTRIC
Warfare (NCW) is commonly considered to be the “linkage of engagement
systems to sensors through networks and the sharing of information
between force elements”.
If we were to think of a pond as a global information network
and we threw a piece of “information” rock into the pond we would
see the ripple of a concentric circle flow out from where the
rock hit the water, eventually to the edge of the pond.
If we were to throw in two “information” rocks into the pond we
would see their respective circles collide and form different
patterns, again eventually reaching the edge of the pond.
These patterns can be used as a metaphor to demonstrate the way
information changes when influenced by other pieces of information.
With NCW we are talking about throwing a handful of rocks into
the pond all at once and continuing to throw handfuls after that!
The ADF, through ADDP-D.3.1 – Enabling Future Warfighting Networkcentric
Warfare – has identified four key actions to implement NCW:
- set
NCW-related targets;
- establish
the network;
- change
doctrine, education and training programs to support the force;
and
-
accelerate change through a Rapid Prototyping and Development
Program.
In
the future networked ADF, engagement systems will be linked to
sensors and command and control systems in a protected network,
which controls all aspects of information.
However, a network is nothing more than a connection of nodes
with every platform being a node in a global information grid.
What
then, does this mean for the Air Force? CAF views the task of
networking the Air Force as an opportunity for Air Force to lead
the ADF into network enablement through consultation and guidance
from the Defence Architectural Framework and the Defence Information
Environment.
The Air Force’s C2ISREW (Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance
and Electronic Warfare) Capability Plan will be the prime vehicle
for this to occur.
On the one hand, NCW is about creating greater visibility for
commanders, and on the other it is about sharing information so
many individuals can contribute to building a clearer picture.
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Air
Power Development Centre
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The
Air Operations Centre will become the hub for collecting, fusing
and distributing information about the air and joint battle.
This allows the commander to “see” the battle in real time as
it unfolds and provides the information on which relevant and
timely decisions can be made.
Web-enabled architectures will become more common in order to
make information more available to globally distributed users.
These users should be able to publish and subscribe to information
in a two-way process that builds increased shared situational
awareness.
A well designed NCW system will facilitate data mining for interested
parties to contribute more effectively to the network.
The technology and systems are however, only one part of the NCW
system. The mere possession of technology does not ensure that
it will be used effectively and effectiveness is what matters.
Well-trained, well-led airmen and airwomen with well-equipped
platforms and facilities win air wars.
As one of our greatest national and military strengths is our
adaptability, exploiting the relevant technology will allow Air
Force personnel to find and neutralise an enemy that threatens
our national security and way of life with precision and absolute
effect.
Wing
Commander Callum Brown is the Deputy Director Futures Analysis
at the Air Power Development Centre.
