A REVIEW ON WEB-ENHANCED NETWORKING: A FUTURE ALTERNATIVE FOR COMMAND AND CONTROL

Information Science and Engineering

When envisioning Marine Corps command and control innovation in the next 15 years, it is plausible to conceptualize a secure multi-function handheld command and control device (C2) that encompasses a global positioning system (GPS) and laser range finder with full stream web-based capability in voice, data, picture, and full motion video. With the current rate of advance in internet technology, a squad leader in the year 2025 could conduct a real time video teleconference, control supporting arms, manage logistical issues, communicate with joint and international partners in his battle space, share intelligence, and have full reach-back connectivity for intelligence applications all from a handheld C2 device. With the breakthroughs in technologies with physical networks, and the advancement of networking systems, exploring web-based alternatives to command and control can provide a consolidated C2 medium for tactical units, build internet architecture to support joint and interagency operations, and leverage emerging technology to enrich combined operations. This paper will examine these problems, along with the theory of networks, and offer ways to maximize the potential of emerging technologies over the next 15 years. This analysis will offer direction to Marine Corps command and control to meet the threats for the most likely security environment for year 2025.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.