Report of the Defense Science Board Summer Study Task Force on Information Architecture for the Battlefield

This publication represents the final report of the Defense Science Board Summer Study Task Force on Information Architecture for the Battlefield. This DSB Task Force was charged to make recommendations for implementing an information architecture that would enhance combat operations by providing commanders and forces at all levels with required information display for assimilation. The Task Force was instructed to focus on information support to the theater or joint task force commander in preparation for and during combat operations. The global security environment provided the background for understanding the information needs of warfighting commanders in scenarios likely to occur in the coming decade. Based upon this environment, the Task Force assessed four aspects of information architecture for the battlefield: the use of information in warfare; the use of information warfare, both offensive and defensive; the business practices of the Department of Defense (DoD) in acquiring and using battlefield information systems; and the underlying technology required to deveop and implement these systems. This report provides detailed analysis and supporting rationale for the finding and recommendations of the Task Force. Some of the finding include that: the warfighter must be an informed customer, with an integral role in the determination of the operational output (specification of requirements), acquisition, and implementation of information systems; warfighters require flexible information systems that can be readily and rapidly adapted and/or altered to accomplish different missions; DoD information systems are highly vulnerable to information warfare, but so are those of potential adversaries; and the DoD can greatly leverage limited DoD resources by exploiting available commercial practices and technology plus "buying into" commercial practices.