Graphics-Oriented Battlefield Tracking Systems

The United States Military employs Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems to increase a commander's ability to defeat a "hostile, thinking, and adaptive enemy" by enhancing battle command through information superiority. Joint doctrine asserts that information superiority is achieved using C4ISR systems to collect, process, and disseminate information. Additionally, the speed and efficiency with which this is accomplished enhances the Army warfighting functions and Air Force core functions through more precise knowledge of friendly unit locations. However, the assortment and non-uniformity of information technology can create greater complexity in an already complex environment. This thesis examines whether or not different graphics-oriented battlefield tracking systems, as employed by the Army and the Air Force at the operational and tactical levels during full spectrum operations, have a negative impact on joint situational awareness. The author also presents several considerations for the design, development, and employment of future systems. Understanding the history, demands, and challenges to joint interoperability allows military professionals to use current C4ISR systems effectively while considering the best approach for developing future programs.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.