The Future of C2 Implementing Network-Centric Command And Control

This paper examines implementation issues associated with integrated, network centric Command and Control concepts, and highlights significant challenges inherent in such a transformation from the current C2 environment within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The authors argue that it will be some time before military forces can achieve a truly integrated command and control capability because significant impediments relating to the culture, structures, processes, and products remain to be addressed. We begin by examining current developments in net-centric, service oriented and effects based operations as part of the changing nature of the U.S. military operational environment. Recent developments in command and control policy, processes and governance are highlighted, and the inherent social challenges related to achieving interoperability are briefly discussed. We examine the framework of Integrated Command & Control (IC2) and argue that development of such a capability must be based upon a shared purpose realizin