Integration of Information and Communications Technology in Full Spectrum Operations: A Case Study of CJTF-101 in Afghanistan

The integration of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is essential in today's contemporary operating environment. ICT now serves as a cross-sector enabler for all elements of national power due to the nature of Full Spectrum Operations, U.S. Interagency involvement, and the expansion of globalization. Using Combined Joint Task Force-101 (CJTF-101) in Afghanistan (2008-2009) as a case study, the lack of ICT coordination and synchronization among national and international stakeholders was evident. CJTF-101's experience showed that effects of poor coordination on the operating environment were significant. This research suggests that the U.S. Interagency, to include Department of Defense (DoD), can benefit from increased integration of the ICT Sector. Efforts should be made to train deploying personnel on ICT capabilities and relationships, develop partnerships with industry, incorporate professional development organizations with educational institutions, and create multilateral relationships from the national strategic level down to the tactical level. Additionally, unified action and the use of collaborative civil/military lesson-learned processes can greatly improve current and future operations. The establishment and implementation of an organization tasked with the responsibility to synchronize ICT strategies at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels is the keystone concept for the integration of ICT into full spectrum operations.

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CHARLES D. SMITH is a professor in the Department of Near Eastern Studies at the University of Arizona. He is the author of Islam and the Search for social order in Modern Egypt and has published and lectured widely on the Islamic world and the Middle East.