Network Centric Warfare and Information Operations

VP calls for the integration of information operations and space control capabilities.

"Space and Information Operations are not operationally integrated on an effective basis," according to Booz Allen Vice President Mike McConnell. "It is time for the policy and operational level to force the integration of IO and space capabilities to support emerging network-centric warfare." McConnell moderated a panel discussion titled "Network Centric Warfare and Info Operations — A Critical Inflection Point" at the October 5-7, 2004, Strategic Space conference held in Omaha, Nebraska.

Protecting Our Competitive Advantage

McConnell stressed the importance of protecting the United States' competitive advantage because it significantly outdistances us from everyone else. "We have the competitive advantage from a technology perspective. But many of our adversaries and potential adversaries can take away our advantage in a relatively straight-forward way," he explained. "I believe that a well-placed attack against our information systems could cause a major impact on the nation, probably greater than 9-11."

Changing the Culture of the IO and Space Communities

"My focus is not on more resources, but is on doing the operational and cultural things that require effective integration of Information Operations and space for effective network-centric warfare," McConnell said. The lack of interoperability between the two communities will become an even greater issue with the move towards network-centric warfare and the increase in our dependence on space to fight wars. "Some would say that space is overly classified and not fully integrated into operational planning or operation," he said. "I would agree with that characterization."

McConnell also said that our operational effectiveness is severely limited by the fact that our cyber weapons are not fully tested, vetted, and understood at a level that we can judge their effectiveness or unintended consequences. "If a commander decides he needs to use an offensive cyber capability, the decision gets caught in a labyrinth of decision making in Washington," he said. "The question will always be — what are the secondary and tertiary effects, and our information warfare weapons producers can never answer those questions."

In closing, McConnell called for metrics and tests, a multi-level security capability, a shift to information sharing, new information handling and classifications, and new clearance procedures.

In addition to McConnell, the "Network Centric Warfare and Info Operations — A Critical Inflection Point" panel included:

Lt Gen Frank Campbell, USAF (Retired) — Vice President and managing Director, Command, Control, Communications and Operations, Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems and Solutions
Mike Gipson — Associate Director, Combat, Support, United States Strategic Command
Peter Himmelberger — Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Network and Telecommunication Integrated Solutions, Computer Sciences Corporation
Raymond Kolibaba — Vice President, Space Systems, Raytheon Company
Maj Gen Dale Meyerrose, USAF — Director, Command Control Systems, North American Aerospace Command

story posted December 22, 2004