Network-Centric Naval Forces

Statement of Task

As requested by the Chief of Naval Operations, the National Research Council will conduct a study that supports implementation of the Navy Department's transition strategy to a network-centric naval force through technology application. The terms of reference for the study call for an evaluation of the following:

What are the technical underpinnings needed for such a transition to network-centric forces and capabilities? Particular emphasis should be placed on assessing the means, the systems, and the feasibility of achieving and delivering data via links with the necessary bandwidth, capacity, and timeliness capabilities. Emphasis also should be placed on establishing and maintaining network security, emissions control when needed, links with submarines, and on integrating information that may arrive intermittently and with different timescales.

What near term program actions need to be taken to begin the transition? What impact will these program actions have on the present platform-centric acquisition strategy? What impact will these program actions have on maintaining a robust industrial base to support the naval forces?

Recognizing that many areas of technology are evolving faster than the naval forces can develop concepts for their use: What experimental programs need to be put in place to help the forces select needed technologies and systems, develop doctrine, and develop operational concepts that together can support the transition to a network-centric naval force? What organizational adaptations might facilitate rapid progress?

What are the implications for both the business practices of the Department of the Navy and naval operations of moving away from platform-centric naval force to network-centric warfare? Implications for the following should be considered, especially resource priorities; force structure; personnel, education, and career systems; warfighting doctrine; and coalition building and training with allies.

Over what period of time can a transition strategy be implemented and in what details will the naval forces be different from today's forces when the strategy is finally implemented?

What trends, if any, suggest that potential adversaries might move toward network centric military capabilities or exploit its vulnerabilities? What are the implications for U.S. naval forces?

How will the move toward network-centric forces, if embraced by the Department of the Navy, be accomplished within the joint environment and subject to the likelihood of constrained future budgets?

What are the implications of Network Centric Warfare on naval doctrine and on joint operations?

Last updated 10/28/9