Extending Net-Centricity to Coalition Operations

Network-centric warfare is often credited for the superior warfighting capabilities of the United States. One of the fundamental requirements for network-centric warfare is the timely exchange of information critical to mission success. However, an increasing number of ongoing military operations tend to be coalition based, and current security policies place severe constraints on information sharing between coalition forces. Bringing the advantages of network centric warfare to coalition warfighting requires a significant improvement in our ability to quickly share critical information while still satisfying security requirements. This paper explores a services-based approach to information management and argues that such an approach would improve information sharing in coalition environments