Implementing Network-Centric Operations in Joint Task Forces

This thesis examines joint publications and the emerging concept of Network-Centric Operations (NCO) as a basis for identifying recommended changes to doctrine in order to implement NCO in joint task forces (JTFs). Technology is allowing the United States military to evolve from the industrial age to the information age. The Office of the Secretary of Defense has termed this evolution "Force Transformation" and identified Network-Centric Operations as the primary concept encompassing the future capabilities of the joint force. The Department of Defense calls for co-evolution of the doctrine, organization, and technology of NCO. The technology required to achieve NCO continues to rapidly expand, and individual military services have started procuring and implementing the technology as it becomes available. Subsequently, US military JTFs have already attempted to realize the benefits of NCO in operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, yet the military continues to organize JTFs according to Department of Defense planning guidance and doctrine that date to July of 2001. The conclusions reached in this thesis are that size, structure, interdependence, and synchronization are key NCO organizational attributes dictating shifts in basic joint doctrine and JTF organizational architecture.

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.